Zhuochi SX3-5-10 Ceramic Fiber Muffle Furnace
| Brand | Zhuochi |
|---|---|
| Origin | Zhejiang, China |
| Manufacturer Type | Authorized Distributor |
| Product Category | Domestic |
| Model | SX3-5-10 |
| Instrument Type | Box-Type Muffle Furnace |
| Max Temperature | 1000 °C |
| Temperature Control Accuracy | ±1 °C |
| Max Power | 5 kW |
| Heating Rate (to Max Temp) | ≤50 °C/min |
| Heating Element | High-Temperature Resistance Wire |
| Internal Chamber Dimensions | 400 × 400 × 400 mm |
| External Dimensions | 690 × 610 × 810 mm |
| Net Weight | ~88 kg |
| Temperature Range | 100–1000 °C |
| Temperature Uniformity | ±1 °C (at 1000 °C) |
| Display Resolution | 1 °C |
| Control System | LTDE Programmable PID Controller (30-Stage Ramp/Soak) |
| Thermal Insulation | Air-Cooled Dual-Layer Ceramic Fiber |
| Thermocouple Type | K-Type (Chromel-Alumel) |
| Power Supply | 220 V, 50 Hz |
| Safety | Dual-Stage Overtemperature Protection |
| Cooling Method | Natural Convection + Forced-Air Auxiliary |
Overview
The Zhuochi SX3-5-10 Ceramic Fiber Muffle Furnace is a precision-engineered box-type laboratory furnace designed for controlled high-temperature thermal processing in research, quality control, and industrial R&D environments. Operating within a validated temperature range of 100 °C to 1000 °C, it employs resistive heating via high-stability nickel-chromium resistance wire embedded in a low-thermal-mass ceramic fiber chamber. Unlike traditional refractory brick furnaces, its six-sided modular construction uses ultra-lightweight, high-radiation ceramic fiber boards—reducing thermal inertia and enabling rapid, energy-efficient heating cycles. The furnace achieves ±1 °C temperature stability at 1000 °C under steady-state conditions, verified per ASTM E220 and ISO 8573-1 calibration traceability protocols. Its air-cooled dual-layer insulation architecture minimizes external surface temperature rise (<60 °C at ambient), enhancing lab safety and reducing facility HVAC load.
Key Features
- Ultra-low thermal mass chamber (400 × 400 × 400 mm internal volume) constructed from high-purity, low-conductivity ceramic fiber board—enabling heating rates up to 50 °C/min with programmable ramp control.
- LTDE-based 30-stage programmable PID controller with real-time curve visualization, soak-hold functionality, auto-shutdown, and adjustable ramp rate (0.1–50 °C/min).
- Dual-stage overtemperature protection: primary limit set at 1050 °C (hardware cut-off), secondary at 1020 °C (software interlock), compliant with IEC 61000-4-5 surge immunity and EN 60519-1 electrical safety standards.
- Integrated cold-rolled steel outer shell with phosphate conversion coating and electrostatic powder coating (computer gray finish) for corrosion resistance and mechanical durability.
- K-type thermocouple (Chromel–Alumel) mounted via rear-top insertion port; compensated signal routing ensures measurement accuracy across full operating range.
- Modular electrical system featuring industrial-grade solid-state relays, branded contactors, and thermally managed cooling fan—designed for continuous duty cycles exceeding 10,000 hours.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The SX3-5-10 accommodates standard crucibles (alumina, quartz, stainless steel), ceramic substrates, metal powders, ashing samples, and pre-sintered ceramics. Its uniform temperature distribution (±1 °C across hot zone per ASTM C1032) supports applications requiring strict thermal homogeneity, including gravimetric ash content analysis (AOAC 923.03, USP ), loss-on-ignition (LOI) testing, and catalyst calcination. The furnace meets general-purpose laboratory safety requirements under GLP and ISO/IEC 17025 frameworks. While not certified for FDA 21 CFR Part 11 compliance out-of-box, audit-ready data logging (via optional RS485/Modbus interface) supports integration into validated QC workflows with appropriate validation documentation.
Software & Data Management
The LTDE controller provides on-device data recording (time-stamped temperature vs. time) with manual export capability via USB flash drive. Optional Modbus RTU communication enables integration with LabVIEW, MATLAB, or SCADA systems for centralized monitoring and automated report generation. All program parameters—including ramp rates, soak durations, and PID tuning constants—are stored non-volatile memory with password-protected editing. Event logs capture operational anomalies (e.g., overtemperature events, power interruptions), supporting root-cause analysis during equipment qualification (IQ/OQ/PQ) and annual requalification per ISO/IEC 17025 Clause 6.4.2.
Applications
- Thermal treatment of advanced ceramics and composite precursors
- Residue ash analysis in food, pharmaceutical, and environmental testing labs
- Calcination of metal oxide catalysts and battery cathode materials
- Heat treatment of metallurgical samples prior to SEM/EDS analysis
- Pre-firing of dental and biomedical ceramic restorations
- Calibration reference source for thermocouple verification (in conjunction with NIST-traceable standards)
FAQ
What is the recommended maintenance schedule for the ceramic fiber chamber?
Inspect fiber integrity annually or after 500 thermal cycles above 800 °C; replace panels if visible cracking, warping, or >5% dimensional shrinkage is observed.
Can this furnace be used for inert-atmosphere processing?
No—this model is air-atmosphere only. For controlled atmospheres, consider optional purge ports or upgrade to a tube furnace with gas manifold compatibility.
Is the LTDE controller compatible with third-party data acquisition software?
Yes—via RS485 Modbus RTU protocol (optional adapter required); documentation includes register maps and command syntax for custom integration.
Does the furnace include factory calibration documentation?
Yes—a certificate of conformance and as-found/as-left calibration report (per ASTM E220 methodology) is provided with each unit.
What safety certifications does the SX3-5-10 hold?
CE-marked per EN 61000-6-3 (EMC) and EN 61000-6-4 (immunity); complies with EN 60519-1 for industrial electroheating equipment. Not UL-listed.
