Hybrid High Temperature Tube and Box Furnace 1700C with 2 Inch Alumina Tube for Material Research

Product Overview

This hybrid thermal processing system represents a versatile advancement in high-temperature laboratory engineering, seamlessly integrating the capabilities of both a box furnace and a tube furnace into a single, high-performance unit. Designed to meet the rigorous demands of material science and industrial research and development, the equipment provides a flexible platform for heat treatment processes that require either an open-air environment or a strictly controlled atmosphere. By allowing researchers to switch between wide-chamber batch processing and localized vacuum-sealed tube processing, this system eliminates the need for multiple specialized units, optimizing laboratory footprint and budget efficiency.

Primary use cases for the equipment include the development of advanced ceramics, semiconductor research, and solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) testing. The dual-path heating configuration—utilizing a primary heating chamber alongside a vertically integrated alumina processing tube—makes it an essential tool for institutions focusing on metallurgy, catalyst research, and high-temperature oxidation studies. Its ability to maintain stable temperatures up to 1700°C ensures it can handle the most refractory materials used in modern aerospace and energy sectors.

Reliability is engineered into every component of this unit. From the double-layer steel casing that ensures low external shell temperatures during peak operation to the precision-fired Silicon Controlled Rectifier (SCR) power control system, the equipment is built for long-duration consistency. It provides industrial-grade thermal stability that allows procurement teams and lead scientists to invest with confidence, knowing the system will deliver repeatable results under demanding cycle conditions. The robust build quality ensures that even at the upper limits of its thermal range, the unit maintains its structural and operational integrity.

Key Features

• Innovative Hybrid Configuration: The system features a unique design where a 2-inch diameter alumina processing tube is inserted through the top of a 6x6x6 inch heating chamber. This allows for simultaneous or independent use of the tube for vacuum/atmosphere-controlled treatments and the surrounding chamber for air-based heat treatments using smaller crucibles.
• Premium 1800 Grade MoSi2 Heating Elements: Equipped with four high-performance U-shaped Molybdenum Disilicide elements, the furnace achieves rapid heating and exceptional durability at extreme temperatures. These elements are specifically selected for their ability to withstand the oxidative stress of 1700°C environments without degrading.
• Advanced High-Purity Fibrous Insulation: The chamber is lined with 1800° grade fibrous alumina insulation, which minimizes heat loss and improves energy efficiency. This low-thermal-mass insulation allows for faster ramp rates and better temperature uniformity compared to traditional heavy refractory bricks.
• Precision SCR Power Regulation: Unlike standard solid-state relays, this unit utilizes an SCR (Silicon Controlled Rectifier) with phase-angle firing and current limiting. This allows for significantly more granular control of the power output, resulting in a temperature accuracy of ±1°C and preventing element damage from current surges.
• 30-Segment Programmable PID Controller: The integrated digital controller allows users to program complex thermal profiles involving multiple heating stages, dwell times, and controlled cooling rates. This level of automation ensures that delicate material transitions are managed with extreme repeatability.
• Integrated Vacuum and Atmosphere Control: The unit comes standard with a pair of stainless steel vacuum sealing flanges, double silicone O-rings, needle valves, and a dial vacuum gauge. This assembly enables the system to reach vacuum levels as low as 50 mTorr with a standard mechanical pump, or higher vacuum levels when paired with a turbomolecular system.
• Dual-Layer Safety Casing: The furnace housing is constructed with a double-walled steel structure and integrated cooling fans. This design creates an air-flow buffer that keeps the outer shell safe to touch even during prolonged high-temperature soak times, enhancing laboratory safety.
• Specialized SOFC Testing Port: The vertical tube arrangement is specifically optimized for testing SOFC coin cells, providing a stable thermal environment and easy gas connectivity for electrochemical performance analysis.
• Automated Protection Systems: Built-in over-temperature alarms and automatic power shut-off protocols allow the furnace to operate safely in unmanned environments, protecting both the sample and the equipment from thermal runaway.

Applications

Technical Specifications

Why Choose This Hybrid Furnace

• Exceptional Operational Versatility: The dual-capability design offers the utility of two separate furnaces in one, allowing labs to transition between batch box processing and vacuum tube experiments without additional capital expenditure.
• Precision-Engineered Thermal Control: By utilizing SCR power regulation rather than standard relays, this system provides smoother power transitions and superior accuracy, which is critical for sensitive material synthesis and R&D repeatability.
• Superior Component Longevity: From the 1800-grade MoSi2 elements to the high-purity alumina tube, every material is selected for maximum lifespan and performance at the upper limit of the thermal scale, ensuring a lower total cost of ownership.
• Scalable Digital Integration: With built-in RS485 ports and optional PC-based control modules, the equipment is ready to be integrated into modern laboratory data acquisition systems for automated monitoring and documentation.
• Proven Support and Reliability: As a product from a manufacturer dedicated to industrial-grade thermal solutions, this system is backed by rigorous quality control and technical expertise to ensure consistent performance in high-stakes research environments.

For custom configurations, vacuum pump pairings, or to receive a detailed quotation tailored to your specific research requirements, please contact our technical sales team today.