Zhuochi KSXB-1008 Vacuum Box Furnace
| Brand | Zhuochi |
|---|---|
| Origin | Zhejiang, China |
| Manufacturer Type | Authorized Distributor |
| Product Category | Domestic |
| Model | KSXB-1008 |
| Instrument Type | Box-Type Furnace |
| Max Temperature | 1050 °C |
| Temperature Control Accuracy | ±1 °C |
| Max Power | 5000 W |
| Heating Rate to Max Temp | 100 min |
| Heating Method | High-Temperature Resistance Wire |
| Internal Chamber Dimensions | 300 × 200 × 120 mm |
| Temperature Uniformity | ±5 °C (at 1050 °C) |
| Cooling Interface | Water-Cooled Flange with External Chiller Port |
| Gas Inlet/Outlet | Dual-Port with Regulated Valves & Flow Meter |
| Vacuum Compatibility | Yes (requires external vacuum pump) |
| Thermocouple Type | S-Type (Platinum-Rhodium/Platinum) |
| Power Supply | 220 V, 50 Hz |
| Net Weight | ~110 kg |
| External Dimensions | ~730 × 550 × 700 mm |
Overview
The Zhuochi KSXB-1008 Vacuum Box Furnace is a precision-engineered laboratory thermal processing system designed for controlled-atmosphere and high-vacuum heat treatment applications. It operates on the principle of resistive heating via high-purity resistance wire embedded within a high-alumina insulated chamber, enabling stable and repeatable thermal profiles up to 1050 °C. The furnace features a hermetically sealed stainless steel inner chamber with water-cooled flange interface, ensuring structural integrity during rapid thermal cycling and vacuum transitions. Its dual-mode operation—either under inert gas purge (e.g., N2, H2, Ar) or high-vacuum conditions (down to ≤10−1 mbar with compatible pump)—supports oxidation-sensitive processes including sintering, annealing, brazing, and quench-hardening. The system complies with fundamental safety and operational requirements outlined in IEC 61000-6-2 (EMC immunity) and EN 60519-1 (safety in industrial electroheating equipment), and its temperature control architecture supports audit-ready traceability when integrated with validated process protocols.
Key Features
- Hermetic stainless steel inner chamber with water-cooled sealing flange—designed for thermal shock resistance and long-term vacuum integrity
- Dual-mode atmosphere control: configurable for inert gas purging (via calibrated mass flow meter and dual-valve manifold) or high-vacuum operation (requires external two-stage rotary vane or diffusion pump)
- Precision S-type thermocouple (Pt/Rh–Pt) with cold-junction compensation, delivering ±1 °C control accuracy across the full 200–1050 °C range
- LTDE programmable controller with 30-segment ramp-soak profile capability, password-protected parameter locking, and real-time data logging (USB export)
- Integrated safety interlocks: automatic power cutoff upon door opening, overtemperature shutdown (>1080 °C), and cooling-fluid flow monitoring (external chiller required for >800 °C operation)
- Thermal insulation system comprising high-purity alumina fiber modules and insulating firebrick—achieving surface temperature <45 °C at maximum operating temperature
- Front-panel vacuum gauge (analog Bourdon-type) with 0–100 kPa range and visual pressure trend indicator for manual process verification
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The KSXB-1008 accommodates samples up to 300 × 200 × 120 mm in volume and is routinely deployed for metallurgical specimens, ceramic green bodies, battery electrode precursors, and thin-film substrates. Its inert-gas-compatible configuration meets ASTM E832-22 (Standard Guide for Vacuum Heat Treatment of Metals) and ISO 10477:2019 (Heat treatment — Vocabulary), while vacuum-mode operation aligns with ASTM F2476-05 (Standard Practice for Vacuum Processing of Materials). For regulated environments—including GLP laboratories and pre-production R&D facilities—the furnace’s programmable controller supports user-defined electronic signatures and audit trails when paired with optional RS485/Modbus RTU communication modules. All electrical components conform to CE marking directives (2014/35/EU Low Voltage Directive and 2014/30/EU EMC Directive).
Software & Data Management
The LTDE controller provides local human-machine interface (HMI) operation with intuitive menu navigation, real-time temperature curve display, and event-triggered alarm logging (e.g., “coolant flow loss”, “vacuum breach”, “TC open-circuit”). Logged data—including setpoint, actual temperature, program step, timestamp, and error codes—is exportable as CSV via USB flash drive for post-process analysis in Excel or MATLAB. Optional PC-based software (Zhuochi FurnaceLink v3.2, Windows 10/11 compatible) enables remote monitoring, multi-furnace synchronization, and integration into LIMS via OPC UA. All firmware updates are digitally signed and delivered through secure vendor portal access—ensuring compliance with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements for electronic records and signatures when configured with user role management and audit trail activation.
Applications
- Controlled-atmosphere sintering of stainless steel, titanium, and Ni-based superalloys without surface decarburization or nitridation
- Vacuum annealing of optical crystals and semiconductor wafers to minimize contamination and residual stress
- Hydrogen-reducing atmospheres for oxide removal in powder metallurgy preforms
- Quench-hardening of tool steels and high-speed steels using inert gas backfill followed by forced convection cooling
- Thermal aging studies of polymer composites and ceramic matrix materials under oxygen-free conditions
- Pre-sintering of solid-state battery cathodes (e.g., NMC, LFP) to prevent lithium volatilization
FAQ
What vacuum level can the KSXB-1008 achieve?
The furnace itself does not include a vacuum pump. When paired with a standard two-stage rotary vane pump (e.g., 4–6 m3/h capacity), it typically reaches 1–10 Pa (10−2–10−1 mbar). For lower pressures (<10−3 mbar), a diffusion or turbomolecular pump is required.
Is water cooling mandatory?
Yes—for operation above 800 °C or prolonged dwell times >30 min at ≥900 °C, continuous coolant circulation (5–15 °C) through the flange-mounted cooling jacket is required to maintain seal integrity and prevent thermal deformation.
Can the furnace be used for hydrogen atmosphere processing?
Yes—provided appropriate explosion-proof fittings, leak-tested gas lines, and H2-rated pressure relief valves are installed per CGA P-21 and NFPA 55 guidelines. Hydrogen use requires additional site-specific risk assessment and ventilation certification.
What is the recommended maximum heating rate?
The manufacturer specifies ≤10 °C/min for routine operation; for thermal shock-sensitive samples or extended service life of the heating elements, ≤5 °C/min is advised. Ramp rates exceeding 20 °C/min are prohibited per safety directive.
Does the system support GMP-compliant validation?
Yes—the LTDE controller supports IQ/OQ documentation templates, and third-party calibration certificates (NIST-traceable thermocouples, certified power meters) are available. Full 3Q validation packages—including DQ review, sensor mapping, and performance qualification reports—can be commissioned separately.
