Nabertherm RS Series Split-Design Horizontal/Vertical Tube Furnace
| Brand | Nabertherm |
|---|---|
| Origin | Germany |
| Model | RS 80/300/11 to RS 170/1000/13 |
| Max Temperature | 1100 °C or 1300 °C |
| Heating Zone Configuration | Triple-Zone Control |
| Tube Diameter (OD) | 80–170 mm |
| Heating Length | 300–1000 mm |
| Uniform Temperature Zone (ΔT ≤ 10 K) | Up to 250 mm |
| Power Supply | 1-phase or 3-phase, 1.8–12.6 kW |
| Construction | Stainless Steel Housing (Brushed Finish) |
| Thermocouple Type | Type K (≤1100 °C), Type S (≤1300 °C) |
| Standard Tube Material | C 530 (Alumina-rich ceramic, air atmosphere compatible) |
| Optional Configurations | Vacuum & Gas Purge Systems (N₂, Ar, H₂, forming gas), Vertical Mounting Kit, Internal Tube Thermocouples, Cascade Temperature Control |
Overview
The Nabertherm RS Series is a high-precision, split-design tube furnace engineered for flexible laboratory and pilot-scale thermal processing under controlled atmospheres. Its defining mechanical feature—a hinged front section that opens laterally—enables rapid, tool-free insertion and removal of work tubes, minimizing thermal shock and operator exposure during sample loading. The furnace supports both horizontal and vertical orientation, with vertical operation enabled via an optional integrated support frame containing dedicated switching gear and controller interface. Thermally, the RS employs triple-zone independent heating control across the furnace length, actively compensating for axial heat loss at tube ends and extending the usable uniform temperature zone (UTZ) where ΔT remains ≤10 K over lengths up to 250 mm. This architecture ensures reproducible thermal profiles critical for sintering, annealing, calcination, CVD precursor decomposition, and inert/reducing atmosphere treatments. All models are constructed from brushed stainless steel (DIN 1.4301) for corrosion resistance and long-term dimensional stability under thermal cycling.
Key Features
- Hinged split design for unobstructed access to the hot zone — no disassembly required for tube replacement or sample handling
- Triple-zone PID-controlled heating system with independent thermocouple feedback per zone, enabling precise axial temperature profiling and extended uniformity
- Configurable orientation: factory-supplied for horizontal use; vertical operation enabled via optional structural support frame with integrated power distribution and controller mounting
- Standard tube material: C 530 high-purity alumina ceramic (Al₂O₃ ≥ 99.7%), rated for continuous use in air up to 1300 °C
- Dual thermocouple compatibility: Type K (for 1100 °C models) and Type S (for 1300 °C models), conforming to IEC 60584-1 accuracy class 1
- Integrated non-return valve on exhaust port to prevent ambient air ingress during vacuum or inert gas purging
- Modular electrical cabinet: controller and switching devices housed separately in wall-mounted or freestanding enclosures (IP54 rated), improving serviceability and EMI isolation
- Ceramic insulation modules (fiber-free, low-shrinkage) surrounding heating elements ensure thermal efficiency and mechanical resilience over >5000 cycles
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The RS series accommodates a broad range of sample geometries and containment systems—including quartz, alumina, silicon carbide, and molybdenum disilicide (MoSi₂) work tubes—selected based on process chemistry, maximum temperature, and atmospheric compatibility. For vacuum applications down to 10⁻³ mbar, optional flanged end caps with metal gaskets and integrated vacuum feedthroughs are available. Gas atmosphere configurations support inert (N₂, Ar), reducing (H₂/N₂ mixtures), and reactive (NH₃, CO) environments via standardized gas train kits compliant with EN ISO 10218-1 for industrial robot integration safety principles. All controllers meet CE marking requirements under the EU Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC and Electromagnetic Compatibility Directive 2014/30/EU. Data logging functions support GLP-compliant audit trails when paired with Nabertherm’s optional THERMOCOM software and external time-stamped storage.
Software & Data Management
The RS operates with Nabertherm’s proprietary THERMOCOM control platform, featuring a 7-inch TFT touchscreen HMI with multi-language support (EN/DE/FR/ES). The system provides programmable ramp-soak profiles (up to 32 segments), real-time graphing of all three zone temperatures plus optional internal tube thermocouple inputs, and configurable alarm thresholds (overtemperature, thermocouple break, cooling failure). Process data—including setpoints, actual values, event timestamps, and operator logins—is exportable via USB or Ethernet to CSV or XML formats. When deployed in regulated environments (e.g., pharmaceutical R&D or materials certification labs), the system supports 21 CFR Part 11-compliant user access levels, electronic signatures, and immutable audit logs when configured with optional server-based archiving.
Applications
- Thermal treatment of battery cathode precursors (LiCoO₂, NMC, LFP) under controlled O₂ partial pressure
- Graphitization and annealing of carbon nanomaterials in argon or nitrogen
- Thin-film deposition via thermal CVD using volatile metalorganic precursors
- High-temperature calibration of thermocouples and reference materials per ASTM E230/E220
- Controlled oxidation studies of metallic alloys and intermetallic compounds
- Pilot-scale catalyst activation and regeneration under H₂/N₂ mixtures
- Heat treatment of dental and orthopedic bioceramics (zirconia, hydroxyapatite) per ISO 6872 and ISO 13356
FAQ
Can the RS furnace be operated vertically without modification?
No — vertical orientation requires the optional vertical support frame (order code: RS-VERT-KIT), which includes reinforced mounting hardware, integrated cable management, and a dedicated controller enclosure.
Is vacuum capability standard or optional?
Vacuum operation is optional and requires selection of vacuum-rated end flanges, a compatible vacuum pump interface, and the Nabertherm vacuum control module (VAC-CTRL-RS). Base pressure depends on pump selection and sealing integrity.
What is the warranty coverage for heating elements and insulation?
Nabertherm provides a 24-month limited warranty on heating elements and ceramic insulation against manufacturing defects under normal operating conditions and proper atmosphere usage.
Are custom tube dimensions supported?
Yes — Nabertherm offers bespoke work tube fabrication (diameter, length, wall thickness, end geometry) upon request, subject to minimum order quantities and lead time confirmation.
Does the RS series comply with UL or CSA safety standards?
While CE-marked and designed to IEC 61000-6-2/6-4 immunity/emission limits, UL 61010-1 or CSA C22.2 No. 61010-1 certification is available as a factory-installed option for North American deployment.
