Nabertherm Compact Tube Furnace R Series
| Brand | Nabertherm |
|---|---|
| Origin | Germany |
| Model | R Series |
| Max Operating Temperature | 1200 °C or 1300 °C |
| Tube ID | 50–120 mm |
| Heating Zone Length | 250–1000 mm |
| External Dimensions (W×D×H) | up to 1300 mm × 1170 mm × 460 mm |
| Power Supply | 1-phase (1.6–2.3 kW) or 3-phase (6.5–11.5 kW) |
| Weight | 22–89 kg |
| Control System | HiProSystem (3-zone for models ≥750 mm heating length, 1300 °C), integrated S-type thermocouple, overtemperature protection per EN 60519-2 Class 2 |
| Atmosphere Options | inert gas, vacuum-compatible configurations available |
| Software Integration | Controltherm MV for process monitoring, logging, and compliance-ready data management |
Overview
The Nabertherm Compact Tube Furnace R Series is a precision-engineered benchtop horizontal tube furnace designed for controlled thermal processing in research laboratories, materials science facilities, and quality control environments. Utilizing resistive heating elements embedded in high-purity ceramic insulation, the R Series achieves stable, repeatable temperature profiles across its defined heating zone—critical for processes such as annealing, sintering, calcination, oxidation/reduction reactions, and crystal growth. Its modular architecture supports both ambient-atmosphere operation and controlled-atmosphere processing via optional gas inlet/outlet ports and vacuum flange compatibility (e.g., ISO-KF or CF). All models operate within a certified temperature range of up to 1200 °C (R 12/12 variants) or 1300 °C (R 13 variants), with uniformity maintained at ±10 K over the specified heating length—a specification validated per DIN 17052-1 and traceable to national metrology standards.
Key Features
- Robust stainless-steel housing with brushed finish, engineered for long-term thermal stability and mechanical durability in continuous lab use.
- High-performance ceramic tube (C530 alumina-silica composition) rated for repeated thermal cycling up to 1300 °C; includes two ceramic fiber end plugs for thermal isolation and atmosphere containment.
- Integrated S-type thermocouple for accurate measurement of both tube internal temperature and post-tube furnace chamber temperature—enabling dual-point thermal validation.
- HiProSystem digital controller with three independently regulated heating zones (standard on R 13 models with heating lengths ≥750 mm), supporting complex ramp-soak-cool profiles with ≤0.1 °C/min resolution.
- Comprehensive safety architecture: solid-state relay switching, redundant overtemperature cut-off (EN 60519-2 Class 2), and automatic thermal disconnect at user-defined limit temperatures.
- Low acoustic emission (<45 dB(A)) during operation—optimized for shared laboratory environments where noise-sensitive instrumentation is present.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The R Series accommodates cylindrical samples and crucibles up to 120 mm in outer diameter and 1000 mm in length. Standard C530 tubes provide excellent chemical resistance against oxidizing and mildly reducing atmospheres. For aggressive chemistries (e.g., halogen-containing precursors), optional quartz or recrystallized alumina tubes are available upon request. The furnace complies with EU Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC, Low Voltage Directive 2014/35/EU, and Electromagnetic Compatibility Directive 2014/30/EU. Its control system supports audit-trail functionality when used with Controltherm MV software, meeting GLP and GMP documentation requirements under FDA 21 CFR Part 11 for regulated thermal process validation.
Software & Data Management
Controltherm MV is a Windows-based process management suite that interfaces directly with the HiProSystem controller via RS485 or Ethernet. It enables real-time monitoring of all thermocouple channels, programmable multi-step heating sequences, automated data logging (timestamped, CSV-exportable), and configurable alarm thresholds. Process records include operator ID, parameter set version, environmental conditions (if external sensors are connected), and electronic signatures—fully compliant with ALCOA+ data integrity principles. Exported datasets are compatible with LIMS integration and statistical process control (SPC) platforms.
Applications
- Thermal treatment of battery cathode/anode materials (e.g., LiCoO₂ synthesis, Si anode pre-lithiation)
- Heat treatment of metal alloys and shape-memory materials under argon or nitrogen purge
- Controlled oxidation of thin-film substrates for semiconductor fabrication R&D
- Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) coupling via custom flange adapters
- Preparation of catalysts and MOFs under vacuum or low-pO₂ conditions
- Calibration reference furnaces for thermocouple verification (per ASTM E230/E230M)
FAQ
What atmosphere options are supported?
Standard models support air, inert gases (N₂, Ar), and reducing atmospheres (H₂/N₂ mixtures up to 5% H₂). Vacuum operation down to 10⁻² mbar is achievable with optional vacuum flanges and compatible pumps.
Can the furnace be integrated into an automated production line?
Yes—digital I/O ports and Modbus TCP protocol support enable seamless integration with PLCs and MES systems for Industry 4.0 workflows.
Is calibration documentation provided with shipment?
Each unit ships with a factory calibration certificate referencing PTB-traceable standards, including as-found/as-left data for the main S-type thermocouple and uniformity verification report.
What maintenance is required for long-term performance?
Annual inspection of heating element continuity, thermocouple drift assessment, and ceramic tube visual inspection for microcracking are recommended; no routine lubrication or consumable replacement is needed.
Are custom tube materials or dimensions available?
Yes—quartz, fused silica, and high-purity alumina tubes can be supplied; custom flange configurations and extended heating zones are offered under Nabertherm’s OEM engineering service program.
