A crucible furnace is a specialized furnace used to melt materials held in fireproof crucibles. They are used in a variety of industries and can be gas or electric. They come in different sizes and are programmable for custom cycles. Safety precautions are necessary when operating.
A crucible furnace is a furnace specifically designed for use with crucibles, large containers of fireproof material used to hold products such as metal and glass as they melt so they can be processed. Crucible manufacturing of a wide variety of products, from handmade crafts to industrial equipment, takes place all over the world, and such furnaces are a key part of this process. A number of companies manufacture crucible furnaces. Some focus on special applications, while others make general purpose products for their customers.
The crucible furnace has a spacious interior made with a brick-like refractory lining. Insulation and an outer casing keep temperatures inside and make it safe to work around the oven when the heating element is on. Gas or electric elements can be used for heating, which can raise very high internal temperatures, depending on the application. The operator places filled crucibles inside, seals the furnace, and ignites it to melt these materials.
Typically the extension is configurable. This allows a technician to place shelves and racks in optimal locations for cooking. The technician can move them to accommodate crucibles and loads of various sizes and balance the contents. The goal is uniform and consistent heating of all elements in the crucible furnace, and this requires careful effort to place elements in optimal locations. Fans and vents can be used to promote air circulation and avoid the development of hot or cold spots inside the oven which could interfere with cooking.
Sizes can vary greatly. People like jewelers can work with a very small tabletop crucible furnace for their projects, while industrial furnaces can be huge. The device is usually programmable to allow the operator to set it to any number of cycles or to develop a custom cycle. The program closely monitors temperatures as the crucible furnace heats up, ignites and cools down. These checks are essential for the protection of the internal materials, as well as for the maintenance of the oven itself, as the refractory brick can be damaged by sudden changes in temperature.
Crucible furnace safety usually requires people to wear protective clothing and goggles when the device is in operation. Clothing can prevent burns, while goggles protect your eyes from bright light and splashes. Technicians also receive training in handling emergencies, operating emergency stop buttons, and other issues. The oven area can be locked and secured for added security.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
