VBF-1200X-E8 Bottom-Loading Vacuum Furnace with 8.6″ ID Quartz Chamber, 1200°C Max, and Rapid Inert Gas Cooling
The VBF-1200X-E8 is engineered for precise thermal processing of materials requiring controlled atmosphere or vacuum conditions up to 1200°C. Its motorized bottom-loading design facilitates safe and convenient handling of large or delicate samples, while an electric sliding door minimizes thermal radiation loss during loading and unloading. This setup is ideal for applications such as brazing, annealing, or sintering where uniform heating and rapid cooling are critical.
At the core of the furnace is a replaceable quartz chamber measuring 8.5 inches internal diameter by 13.4 inches height, providing an effective heating volume of approximately 8.6 liters. The chamber is sealed by a water-cooled stainless steel vacuum flange with an Oring and fibrous alumina plate to ensure a durable vacuum-tight environment. The system supports vacuum pressures suitable for processing below 1000°C and controlled inert gas atmospheres for higher temperature operations. Rapid cooling is achieved through an integrated inert gas blow system with four strategically placed gas blow tubes, enabling accelerated quenching of samples.
Key Features
- Motor-driven bottom-loading platform for ergonomic sample handling
- Electric sliding door to block thermal radiation during sample transfer
- Quartz heating chamber (8.5″ ID x 13.4″ H) compatible with vacuum and gas flow
- Water-cooled SS304 vacuum flange with Oring and alumina plate for enhanced sealing and longevity
- Integrated inert gas blow system with four gas blow tubes for rapid sample cooling
- Dual 30-segment programmable temperature controllers with PID auto-tune and safety protections
- Two K-type thermocouples for precise temperature control and monitoring
- Vacuum system includes KF25 port, dual-stage rotary vane pump, Pirani and mechanical vacuum gauges
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Quartz Chamber Size | 8.5″ ID x 13.4″ H (approx. 8.6 L volume) |
| Maximum Temperature | 1200°C with inert gas; 1000°C continuous under vacuum |
| Heating Elements | Fe-Cr-Al doped Molybdenum |
| Heating Rate | Up to 20°C/min |
| Temperature Control | Two 30-segment programmable controllers with PID auto-tune, ±1°C accuracy |
| Thermocouples | Two K-type included |
| Vacuum Ports and Pumps | KF25 port, dual-stage rotary vane pump included; optional turbopump available |
| Cooling System | Inert gas blow system with 4 gas blow tubes; water-cooled flange with included 16 L/min recirculating water chiller |
| Power Requirements | 208-240 VAC, single phase, 50/60 Hz, 3600 W (20 A receptacle required) |
| Weight | 260.2 lb (118 kg) |
Typical Applications
- Vacuum brazing of flat samples under controlled atmosphere
- Annealing and sintering processes requiring uniform heating and rapid cooling
- Material research involving vacuum or inert gas heat treatment up to 1200°C
Configuration & Operating Notes
- The furnace operates safely under vacuum pressures below 0.2 bar (3 psi) and requires a two-stage pressure regulator on gas cylinders to limit pressure below 3 psi.
- The electric sliding door must be closed promptly after lowering the sample stage to minimize thermal radiation loss.
- Optional accessories include a Pfeiffer turbopump for high vacuum operation down to 10-5 torr and MTS-02 module for remote temperature control and data logging via PC.
