Lucifer Furnaces Inc., Warrington, Pa., shipped a high-temperature laboratory box furnace to Pottstown, Pa.-based Hammond Lead Products, which provides products to the battery, ceramics and glass industries. The Model 3027 AK12 heats to 2,500° F using silicon carbide rod-type heating elements mounted above and below the hearth, providing uniform heat in the work chamber. The 12"x12"x12" chamber is lined with 5" of insulating brick and 2" of mineral wool block insulation, while the double-pivot horizontal swing door with insulating plug meets with the throat section at the front of the furnace chamber to minimize heat loss.
Hammond selected a Honeywell UDC 3500 temperature controller with enhanced set point programming, fast scanning and onboard diagnostics, as well as an overtemperature safety system for automatic furnace shutdown in the event of a high-temperature excursion, an add-on recommended for unattended furnace operation. Controls are mounted in the furnace base cabinet and include a voltage-regulating power transformer with selector switches. A type R platinum thermocouple, mounted through the roof, provides a fast, accurate response and excellent lifespan at elevated temperatures, according to the company. Hammond Lead Products will be using the furnace for the development of PZT powders. The Lucifer furnace was chosen because it was "the right product at the right price, and everyone involved in the sale were friendly and helpful," said Hammond's Jon Hegland.
Related Glossary Terms
- ceramics
ceramics
Cutting tool materials based on aluminum oxide and silicon nitride. Ceramic tools can withstand higher cutting speeds than cemented carbide tools when machining hardened steels, cast irons and high-temperature alloys.
