SK-12-16 High-Temperature Box-Type Muffle Furnace
| Origin | Shanghai, China |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer Type | Authorized Distributor |
| Origin Category | Domestic (China) |
| Model | SK-12-16 |
| Rated Temperature | 1600 °C |
| Internal Chamber Dimensions | 400 × 200 × 160 mm (W × D × H) |
| Voltage/Power | 220 V / 4 kW |
| Heating Element | Silicon Carbide (SiC) Rods |
| Construction | Welded Mild Steel Cabinet with Electrostatic Powder Coating |
| Insulation | Multi-Layer Refractory Fiber + High-Density Firebrick Lining |
Overview
The SK-12-16 High-Temperature Box-Type Muffle Furnace is a precision-engineered laboratory furnace designed for controlled thermal processing up to 1600 °C. It operates on the principle of resistive heating via silicon carbide (SiC) heating elements embedded in a thermally insulated muffle chamber, ensuring uniform temperature distribution and minimal thermal loss. The furnace features a double-walled construction: an outer shell fabricated from cold-rolled steel with electrostatic powder coating for corrosion resistance and mechanical durability, and an inner muffle lined with high-purity refractory ceramic fiber and dense firebrick—optimized for thermal stability, low heat storage, and rapid cool-down cycles. Its box-type geometry supports reproducible batch processing of small-volume samples under inert, oxidizing, or air-atmosphere conditions—making it suitable for routine thermal treatments in materials science, metallurgy, ceramics R&D, and quality control laboratories.
Key Features
- Maximum operating temperature of 1600 °C with ±2 °C temperature uniformity across the working zone (per ASTM E220 calibration protocol)
- Robust SiC rod heating elements mounted on ceramic insulators, rated for >3000 hours of service life at 1500 °C continuous operation
- Triple-layer insulation system: outer steel jacket, intermediate ceramic fiber blanket (1260 °C grade), and inner firebrick lining (Al₂O₃ ≥ 92%) for thermal efficiency and surface temperature < 60 °C at ambient conditions
- Front-loading design with counterbalanced door, high-temperature resistant gasket seal, and safety interlock to prevent operation when open
- Integrated digital temperature controller with PID algorithm, programmable ramp-soak profiles (up to 32 segments), and real-time data logging capability via RS485 interface
- Compliant with IEC 61000-6-3 (EMC) and IEC 61000-6-2 (immunity); CE-marked per Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC and Low Voltage Directive 2014/35/EU
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The SK-12-16 accommodates crucibles, sintering boats, and sample holders made from alumina, zirconia, graphite, or silicon carbide—compatible with standard ISO 80000-5 and ASTM C71 definitions of refractory containment. It supports applications requiring adherence to ISO 5659-2 (fire testing), ASTM C20 (bulk density and porosity of refractories), and USP (heavy metals testing). The furnace’s temperature stability and repeatability meet GLP requirements for thermal validation studies, including IQ/OQ documentation support. All electrical components conform to IP20 enclosure rating; optional argon/nitrogen purge ports (M12 threaded) enable controlled-atmosphere operation per ISO 8501-1 surface preparation standards.
Software & Data Management
The integrated microprocessor-based controller supports bidirectional communication via Modbus RTU over RS485, enabling integration into centralized lab management systems (LIMS) or SCADA platforms. Optional PC software provides full profile programming, real-time graphing, alarm history export (CSV/Excel), and audit-trail generation compliant with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements—including electronic signatures, user access levels, and immutable event logs. Data retention spans ≥10,000 cycles with timestamped temperature readings at user-defined intervals (1–60 seconds). Firmware updates are delivered via USB port with checksum verification to ensure integrity.
Applications
- Heat treatment of small steel components (annealing, normalizing, stress relieving) per ASTM A370 and ISO 6892-1
- Sintering of advanced ceramics (Al₂O₃, ZrO₂, SiC), metal powders (Fe, Cu, Ni alloys), and battery cathode precursors (LiCoO₂, NMC)
- Ash content determination in polymers, foodstuffs, and pharmaceutical excipients (AOAC 923.03, ISO 2171)
- Thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) pre-conditioning and residue quantification (ASTM E1131)
- Calibration of thermocouples (Type S, R, B) and infrared pyrometers using fixed-point cells (e.g., Ag, Cu, Al melting points)
- Pre-firing of catalyst supports and zeolite substrates prior to BET surface area analysis (ISO 9277)
FAQ
What is the maximum recommended continuous operating temperature?
The SK-12-16 is rated for continuous operation at 1550 °C; 1600 °C is specified as the upper limit for short-duration (<2 h) process cycles.
Can this furnace be used under inert gas atmosphere?
Yes—optional inlet/outlet ports allow connection to nitrogen or argon supply lines; recommended flow rate: 0.5–2.0 L/min to maintain positive pressure and exclude ambient oxygen.
Is temperature uniformity validated per industry standards?
Yes—uniformity mapping is performed at three load conditions (empty, 50% volume, full load) per ASTM E220 Annex A3; typical deviation is ≤±1.5 °C at 1400 °C.
Does the controller support remote monitoring via Ethernet or Wi-Fi?
The base model includes RS485; Ethernet/Wi-Fi connectivity requires optional gateway module (part no. SK-ETH-GW1), supporting MQTT and HTTP API protocols.
What maintenance is required for long-term reliability?
Quarterly inspection of SiC rod resistance (should remain within ±10% of nominal value), annual replacement of door gasket, and biannual cleaning of ventilation ducts and controller cooling fans.
