High Temperature 1700C Vertical Tube Furnace for Powder Spherification and Material Sintering

Product Overview

This high-temperature vertical thermal processing system is a specialized solution designed for advanced powder spherification and material sintering. By integrating an automated feeding mechanism with a vertically oriented heating chamber, this equipment enables the transformation of irregular powders into high-quality spherical particles. The process relies on controlled gravity feeding through dual temperature zones, where particles undergo precise sintering to reach their optimal geometric form. This configuration is essential for high-performance materials where particle morphology directly impacts the final product's flowability, packing density, and reactivity.

The system is engineered to support a wide range of sophisticated industrial and research applications, particularly within the battery technology, additive manufacturing, and magnetic material sectors. Its ability to operate under deep vacuum or precisely controlled atmospheres makes it indispensable for processing oxygen-sensitive metallic powders and high-purity ceramics. By providing a stable and repeatable thermal environment, the unit facilitates the production of uniform spherical powders required for next-generation solid-state batteries and precision 3D printing processes.

Built for reliability in demanding laboratory and pilot production environments, the equipment features robust engineering that ensures long-term operational consistency. The combination of high-purity alumina components, advanced PID thermal regulation, and a vibration-assisted feeding system provides users with the confidence to conduct complex material synthesis with minimal downtime. Every component, from the stainless steel feeder to the vacuum-sealed collection container, is designed to withstand the rigors of 1700ºC thermal cycling, ensuring that your research and production goals are met with uncompromising precision.

Key Features

• Automated Powder Delivery System: The integrated stainless steel hopper features a dedicated vibratory mechanism and a long-feed screw, ensuring a consistent and adjustable feed rate up to 97cm³/min. This precision delivery is critical for maintaining uniform residence time within the heating zone.
• Dual-Zone Temperature Control: The vertical chamber is divided into two independent heating zones, each 200mm in length. This allows for the creation of complex thermal gradients or a long, uniform isothermal zone, providing unmatched flexibility for different material sintering profiles.
• High-Purity Alumina Processing Tube: Utilizing a >99.5% purity alumina tube, the system prevents material contamination even at the maximum operating temperature of 1700ºC. The tube's dimensions are optimized to facilitate the gravity-fall of powders while maintaining structural integrity under vacuum.
• Precision PID Thermal Regulation: Each heating zone is managed by an independent digital controller with 30-segment programmable profiles. The built-in auto-tune functionality and B-type thermocouples ensure temperature accuracy within ±1ºC, enabling repeatable results across multiple batches.
• Advanced Vacuum and Atmosphere Management: The system is equipped with vacuum-sealed flanges and an electric gate valve at the bottom, allowing for seamless transition between vacuum and inert gas environments. This is essential for preventing oxidation in metallic powders during high-temp processing.
• Vibration-Assisted Feeding: To prevent powder bridging and ensure a smooth flow of fine particles, the hopper includes a high-torque vibratory motor. This ensures that even cohesive powders are delivered into the furnace tube at a steady, uninterrupted rate.
• Robust Integrated Collection System: A specialized sphere powder collector is located at the base of the unit, connected via an electric gate valve. This allows for the safe recovery of processed materials under controlled atmosphere conditions, preserving the integrity of the spherified particles.
• Scalable Control Interface: While the system includes dual digital controllers for standalone operation, it also features a D89 PC communication port. This enables the integration of optional Labview-based software for remote recipe management, data logging, and real-time plot analysis.
• Industrial Compliance and Safety: The unit is CE certified and built with industrial-grade components. Safety features include thermal overload protection and the option for NRTL or CSA certification, meeting the rigorous safety standards of international R&D facilities.
• Versatile Feed Port Configuration: The KF25 material delivery port and vacuum connections allow for easy integration with external gas delivery systems, oxygen monitoring sensors, or high-vacuum pumping stations for ultra-clean processing environments.

Applications

Technical Specifications

Why Choose Us

• Superior Particle Uniformity: The gravity-fed, dual-zone design of this system ensures that every particle experiences a consistent thermal history, resulting in high-quality spherical powders with repeatable characteristics.
• Industrial Grade Durability: Engineered with premium materials like high-purity alumina and stainless steel, the unit is designed for continuous operation in rigorous industrial R&D environments, minimizing the cost of ownership.
• Precision Atmosphere Integrity: Advanced vacuum sealing and integrated gate valves allow for the handling of air-sensitive and reactive materials without risk of contamination or oxidation, ensuring high-purity results.
• Flexible Customization: From optional high-vacuum stations and oxygen monitoring to gas purification systems, this equipment can be tailored to meet the specific requirements of your material processing workflow.
• Proven Material Science Expertise: This system is the result of years of engineering for the most demanding thermal applications, providing a reliable platform for the development of next-generation materials.

Contact the THERMUNITS technical team today to request a quotation or to discuss a customized configuration for your powder spherification requirements.