Muffle Furnace Usage Guide – ZYLAB

Table of Contents

Initial Installation and Preparation of the Equipment

1. Open the Top Cover

  • Open the top cover of the furnace and carefully remove the sponge block protecting the heating elements.
  • Inspect the heating elements to ensure they are intact, secure, and free of any abnormalities.

2. Install the Exhaust Chimney

Box Furnace Exhaust Chimney

 

  • Locate the packaged exhaust chimney and carefully insert it into the exhaust port at the top of the furnace.
  • Close the top cover and secure it tightly with screws.

3. Connect the Power Cable

  • Inspect the power cable for integrity and connect the wires correctly according to their colors:

          Red (L): Connect to the live wire.

          Blue (N): Connect to the neutral wire.

          Yellow (PE): Connect to the ground wire.

Chamber Inspection and Sample Preparation

4. Inspect the Chamber

Intelligent 1200.C Muffle Furnace
  • Open the furnace door and check if the chamber is clean and free of foreign objects.

5. Place the Support Plate

Box Furnace Support Plate
  • Locate the support plate from the packaging and place it horizontally at the bottom of the chamber.
  • The support plate isolates the sample from the chamber bottom, helping to extend the chamber’s lifespan.

6. Place the Sample

Box Zirconia Sintering Furnace (4)
Alumina Kiln Furniture Furnace Shelves Kit
  • Load the material to be processed into a crucible or place it on an alumina furnace furniture.
  • Ensure the sample is positioned at the center of the support plate to avoid contact with the heating elements.

7. Install the Door Plug

Box Zirconia Sintering Furnace (2)
  • Attach the door plug to the inner side of the furnace door, ensuring a tight fit.
  • This helps reduce heat loss and improves temperature uniformity and stability within the chamber.

Operation Start-Up

8. Close the Furnace Door

1500.C Box Furnace
  • Carefully close the furnace door, ensuring it is fully sealed to prevent heat leakage.

9. Start the Equipment

  • Turn on the power supply and check if the temperature controller displays properly.
  • Set the heating curve according to experimental requirements, including heating rate, target temperature, and holding time.

10. Monitor Operation

  • During the heating process, periodically check the temperature controller display to ensure the temperature aligns with the set values.

11. Cooling and Completion

  • After heating is complete, allow the furnace to cool to room temperature before opening the door and removing the sample.

Precautions for Use

  1. When using the furnace for the first time or after long-term storage, preheat it at around 120°C for 1 hour and at around 300°C for 2 hours to prevent chamber cracking.

  2. The recommended heating rates are:

    • Below 1400°C: ≤10°C/min.
    • Between 1400°C and 1600°C: ≤5°C/min.
    • Above 1600°C: ≤2°C/min.
  3. During cooling, use programmed cooling. For temperatures above 500°C, the cooling rate should not exceed 5°C/min to extend the lifespan of the equipment components.

  4. Do not open the chamber if the furnace temperature is ≥300°C to avoid injury.

  5. Do not turn off the power before the furnace cools to room temperature to ensure safety.

  6. Avoid frequent opening of the furnace door to prevent temperature fluctuations that may affect experimental results.

  7. Do not heat materials that emit volatile or contaminating substances to prevent damage to the chamber and components.

  8. After use, clean any residue in the chamber to prevent long-term accumulation from affecting its lifespan.

  9. Regularly inspect the thermocouple and heating elements for proper function, and replace them promptly if aging or faults are detected.

For detailed operating instructions, please contact ZYLAB technical staff for further information.