English Product Name

Overview

The KJG GSL-1700X-MGI-4 is a compact, four-zone horizontal tube furnace engineered for high-throughput thermal processing under controlled atmosphere or vacuum conditions. Designed around four independently regulated heating zones—each integrated with a high-purity α-alumina tube (25 mm outer diameter, 460 mm length)—this system enables parallel thermal treatment of up to four distinct samples at individually programmed temperatures, ranging from ambient to 1700 °C. Its architecture follows the fundamental principles of resistive radiant heating via silicon molybdenum (MoSi₂) elements, optimized for uniform axial temperature distribution and rapid thermal response. The furnace supports continuous operation at 1600 °C and short-duration exposure up to 1700 °C (≤1 hour), making it suitable for sintering, annealing, crystal growth, and phase diagram mapping in advanced ceramics, refractory alloys, and functional oxide materials. Its modular design aligns with Materials Genome Initiative (MGI) workflows, where combinatorial synthesis and multi-condition screening are essential for accelerating materials discovery and process optimization.

Key Features

• Four independent heating zones, each equipped with a dedicated Type B thermocouple and PID-based digital temperature controller for precise, decoupled thermal management
• High-purity alumina tubes (99.8% Al₂O₃) with 25 mm OD / 22 mm ID dimensions—chemically inert, vacuum-compatible, and rated for sustained use at 1600 °C
• KF25 quick-connect flanges with integrated mechanical vacuum gauges and four calibrated glass float flowmeters (0–200 SCCM range) for accurate gas dosing
• Touchscreen HMI interface supporting multi-step ramp-hold programs; real-time temperature logging and remote monitoring via RS485/USB-to-PC connection
• Integrated safety architecture including over-temperature cutoff, thermocouple break detection, and automatic power shutoff on fault condition
• Structural compliance with CE directives and electrical safety standards (UL 61010-1, MET, CSA); all >24 V components certified to IEC 61000-6-3/6-4 EMI/EMC requirements

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The GSL-1700X-MGI-4 accommodates standard cylindrical samples up to 20 mm in diameter and 400 mm in length per tube. It is routinely deployed for thermal treatments under inert (Ar, N₂), reducing (H₂/N₂), oxidizing (O₂, air), or vacuum environments—fully compatible with CVD precursor delivery when paired with optional mass flow controllers and vaporizers. The furnace meets critical regulatory prerequisites for laboratory-scale R&D: vacuum integrity supports ASTM E595 outgassing testing protocols; temperature uniformity and repeatability satisfy ISO/IEC 17025 calibration traceability requirements when operated with NIST-traceable thermocouples. For GMP-aligned environments, optional audit-trail-enabled software modules support 21 CFR Part 11-compliant electronic records and user-access controls.

Software & Data Management

Temperature programming and data acquisition are managed through an embedded 7-inch capacitive touchscreen running a deterministic real-time OS. Users define complex thermal profiles—including up to 32 segments per zone—with adjustable ramp rates, dwell times, and cooling strategies. All operational parameters (setpoints, actual temperatures, power output, alarm status) are timestamped and stored internally (≥10,000 data points) or streamed in real time to external PCs via Modbus RTU or ASCII serial protocol. Optional KJG LabControl Suite provides CSV export, statistical analysis (mean, SD, CV%), trend charting, and automated report generation—supporting GLP documentation workflows and cross-experiment comparison.

Applications

• Combinatorial thermal screening for phase stability studies in Ni-based superalloys, MAX phases, and rare-earth doped phosphors
• Controlled-atmosphere sintering of SiC, ZrO₂, and YBCO thin films with minimal grain coarsening
• Thermal annealing of 2D transition metal dichalcogenides (e.g., MoS₂, WS₂) under sulfur-rich ambients
• Pre-sintering and binder burnout of ceramic green bodies prior to hot isostatic pressing (HIP)
• In situ heat-treatment validation for aerospace-grade composite layups and thermal barrier coating systems

FAQ

Can this furnace operate under positive pressure?

No. The system is rated for vacuum (down to 10⁻⁵ torr) and atmospheric pressure only. Internal overpressure must not exceed 0.02 MPa (2 bar gauge) to maintain seal integrity and tube safety.

Is the furnace compatible with hydrogen atmospheres?

Yes—when configured with appropriate gas-handling accessories (dual-stage regulators, leak-tested stainless steel lines, and optional H₂ sensors). Hydrogen service requires adherence to NFPA 55 and local fire code provisions.

What maintenance intervals are recommended for consumables?

Alumina tubes, silicone O-rings, and MoSi₂ heating elements are excluded from the standard 12-month warranty. Under typical usage (≤1600 °C, ≤5 cycles/week), tubes retain specification for ≥200 h; heating elements show measurable resistance drift after ~1000 h at 1700 °C.

Can I integrate this furnace into an existing automation platform?

Yes. The unit provides isolated digital I/O (start/stop, alarm, ready) and Modbus TCP/RTU registers for integration with PLCs, SCADA systems, or robotic sample handlers via standard industrial protocols.

Does the system include vacuum pumping hardware?

No. A KF25 vacuum port is provided; users must supply a compatible backing pump (e.g., dual-stage rotary vane) and turbomolecular pump for high-vacuum operation. KJG offers validated pump packages with oil-free foreline traps and pressure interlocks.