Tube Furnace

Why Choose Us?

Reliable Product Quality
Xinkyo Company was founded in 2005 by professional materials researchers. Its founder studied at Peking University and is a leading manufacturer of high-temperature experimental equipment and new materials research laboratory equipment. This enables us to provide high-quality, low-cost high-temperature equipment for materials research and development laboratories.

Advanced Equipment
Main production equipment: CNC punching machines, CNC bending machines, CNC engraving machines, high-temperature oven CNC lathes, lying machines, gantry milling, machining centers, sheet metal, laser cutting machines, CNC punching machines, bending machines, self capacitive welding machines, argon arc welding machines, laser welding, sandblasting machines, automatic paint baking rooms.

Wide Range of Applications
The products are mainly used in ceramics, powder metallurgy, 3D printing, new material research and development, crystal materials, metal heat treatment, glass, negative electrode materials for new energy lithium batteries, magnetic materials, etc.

Wide Market
XinKyo Furnace's annual export sales revenue is more than 50 million, with North American markets (such as the United States, Canada, Mexico, etc.) accounting for 30% and European markets (such as France, Spain, Germany,etc) accounting for about 20%; 15% in Southeast Asia (Japan, Korea, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, India, etc) and 10% in the Russian market; 10% in the Middle East (Saudi Arabia, UAE, ect ), 5% in the Australian market, and the remaining 10%.

What is Tube Furnace?

A Tube Furnace is an electric heating device. It generally has a cylindrical tube that is heated by surrounding heating elements. Alumina, fused quartz, and Pyrex are commonly used as tube materials in tube furnaces. Tungsten or molybdenum tubes are used in the case of corrosive materials. Insulation is used outside to minimize the heat transfer to the environment. It can have single or multiple heating zones as per the requirements of the process or customer. The temperature can be measured and controlled using a thermocouple and controller feedback system.

Vacuum Tube Furnace
This SK2-5-12TPHV product is of high vacuum and can be selected as either a diffusion pump or a molecular pump. The following is an introduction to using a Bipolar rotary vane mechanical pump of...
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1400C 1700C Dual Heating Zone Tube Furnace
1400C-1700C High temperature tube furnace
Dual heating zone,High temperature control accuracy
High purity alumina tube,High temperature resistance
Highly intelligent touch screen PID...
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Bridgman Crystal Growth Furnace
1.Rt-1200C,other temperature can customized
2.Heating zone length:100+100+100mm
3.Tube Diameter:80mm
4.Vacuum inert atmosphere support
5.Touch screen controller with PLC
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1200C OD150 Length440mm Vacuum Tublar Furnace
1.Heating zone OD150 L440mm
2.Max temp 1200℃,suggested continious using 1100℃
3.PID and auto tuning function,30segments temperature time programs
4.Vacuum inert atmosphere...
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70mm Tube Furnace
70mm tube furnace
Max.temperature:1200C
Heating zone:φ70mm*205mm or customized
Tube material:High purity Quartz tube
Open door:slipt type
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Small Tube Furnace
small tube furnace
Max.temperature:1200C
Heating zone:φ25mm/φ50*200mm
Tube material:Quartz tube
Temperature control:PID Program temperature control
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Vertical Split Tube Furnace
vertical split tube furnace
Max.temperature:1200C
Working temperature:0-1100C
Heating zone:φ60*350mm
Tube material:Quartz tube
Temperature control:30 segments LED...
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High Vacuum Brazed Tube Furnace
This high vacuum brazing furnace can be used for brazing ceramics and metals, with brazing materials such as silver, copper, titanium, and other materials. Working temperature zone tube outer...
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1400℃ Rotary And Tilting Tube Furnace
Operating temperature: RT～1400℃
0-20RPM Rotary system
0-15° (adjustable) tilting system
30 segment program with PID control
High purity alumina tube
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1700℃ Rotary Tube Furnace
Operating temperature: RT～1700℃
0-20RPM Rotary system
30 segment program with PID control
High purity alumina tube
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Multi-station Tube Furnace
Multi-station tube furnace;
Vertical, horizontal and tilting position adjustable;
Different tube size optional
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5 Zones Vertical Tube Furnace
1.5 temperature zones, independent control
2.PID, 30-stage temperature and time program, accuracy ±1C
3.Continuous use temperature 1100℃
4.Split door design, easy to place the...
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Advantages of Tube Furnace

Unmatched Thermal Uniformity
The primary benefit of tube furnaces is their unmatched thermal uniformity. Workpieces in the hot zone are subjected to sustained temperatures of up to 1800°C (3272°F) across their full 360° axis. This guarantees completely consistent heat distribution throughout the chamber and thus across the total cross-section of the workpiece. Any small batch production process of thermally sensitive parts benefits from the outstanding uniformity of tube furnaces.

Zonal Heating
In a typical horizontal tube furnace, the central portion of the cylinder comprises the heating zone. A controlled thermal gradient spans to either end of the tube. Several options are available based on single and multi-zone cylindrical heaters, maximising end-usability. You can choose a single zone heater with water cooled end caps for optimal thermal uniformity in the smallest possible format. Or use a multi-zone tube furnace with fully definable temperature programmes for precise control of heating and cooling. With easily accessible end caps, this makes tube furnaces ideal for small scale materials tests.
Atmospheric Controls
With optional gas mixing and delivery systems, horizontal tube furnaces are ideal for thermal process with strict atmospheric requirements. Heating can be carried out under inert or reducing conditions, with precise mass flow controllers and programmable alerts supporting a range of important safety features. This is crucial for users across the full spectrum of lab and factory-based thermal processing.

Types of Tube Furnace

Vertical Tube Furnace

A vertical tube furnace is designed to offer high-temperature heating in a vertical orientation. This type of furnace provides precise temperature control, uniform heating and efficient energy usage. Its vertical design is particularly useful for applications where space is a constraint or where the process benefits from a vertical setup.
Applications: A vertical tube furnace is commonly used in applications requiring controlled heating and cooling rates, such as in material testing, thermal processing and chemical reactions. Its design is favorable for processes where the sample needs to be dropped into the furnace from the top, making it suitable for certain types of chemical and physical experiments.
Benefits: Their vertical configuration means a smaller footprint compared to horizontal furnaces, making them ideal for laboratories with limited space. Additionally, the vertical setup can aid in certain processes where gravity assists in the experiment or manufacturing process, ensuring even distribution of heat and materials.

Horizontal Tube Furnace

A horizontal tube furnace is versatile and commonly used in many laboratory settings. It offers uniform heating across the tube length and can accommodate various tube sizes. The horizontal orientation is beneficial for processes that require a uniform temperature zone along the length of the tube.
Applications: Ideal for annealing, material testing and chemical processing, a horizontal tube furnace can be used in applications where samples need to be observed or rotated during processing. It's also suitable for applications where long, continuous tubes are required.
Benefits: The horizontal design of these tube furnaces allows for easy placement and removal of samples and is ideal for experiments that require manipulation or observation during the heating process. The uniform heating capability ensures consistent results, which is critical for research and quality control in laboratory environments.

Rotary Tube Furnace

A rotary tube furnace incorporates a rotating mechanism, allowing the tube to turn during operation. This rotation ensures a more uniform heat distribution and mixing of samples. These tube furnaces are ideal for continuous processing and can handle both small and large sample volumes.
Applications: Rotary tube furnaces are particularly useful in applications such as powder metallurgy, material blending and chemical reactions where uniform heating and continuous mixing are essential. They're also used in industries that require the processing of granular or powdery materials.
Benefits: The rotating action in these furnaces provides a uniform temperature distribution and prevents the settling of samples, which is crucial for consistent processing and analysis. The rotation also enhances the efficiency of heat transfer, leading to faster processing times and more uniform results.

Application of Tube Furnace

Heat treatment processes
Tube furnaces are widely used in heat treatment processes, including annealing, hardening, and tempering of metals and alloys. These processes involve heating materials to specific temperatures and then cooling them at controlled rates to achieve specific material properties. They can maintain precise temperature control, making them suitable for various heat treatment processes.

Material synthesis
Tube furnaces are used in material synthesis processes to produce high-purity inorganic compounds, such as metal oxides and nitrides. The furnace chamber is filled with the reactants, and the furnace is heated to a specific temperature for a predetermined amount of time to promote the desired chemical reactions. They can also be used for the purification of inorganic compounds.

Ceramic processing
Models used in ceramic processing sinter and anneal ceramics, including high-temperature ceramics, such as silicon carbide and alumina. The furnace chamber is filled with ceramic material, and the tube furnace is heated to a specific temperature for a predetermined amount of time to promote the sintering and densification of the material. They can also be used to anneal ceramics, which involves heating the material to a specific temperature and then cooling it slowly to improve its mechanical properties.

Brazing and soldering
These are employed in brazing and soldering processes to join two or more metal components using a filler material. The furnace chamber is filled with the components and the filler material, and the tube furnace is heated to a specific temperature to melt the filler material. They can be used for both vacuum brazing and controlled atmosphere brazing.

Annealing processes
Tube furnaces are used in annealing processes, which involve heating a material to a specific temperature and then cooling it slowly to improve its mechanical properties. Annealing is effective for reducing the hardness of a material and increasing its ductility. Tube furnaces can be used for various annealing processes, including stress relieving, recrystallization annealing, and solution annealing.

Working Principle of Tube Furnaces

Heating Element

Tube furnaces have heating elements that are typically made of resistant materials or silicon carbide rods. These elements are positioned either on the exterior of tube or inside it.

Sample Placement

The sample or material to be heated is placed inside a ceramic or quartz tube that serves as the reaction chamber. This tube is positioned within the heating zone of the furnace.

Uniform Heating

Are designed to provide uniform heating throughout the length of the tube, ensuring that the entire sample reaches the desired temperature evenly.

Cooling

After the heating process is complete, the furnace can be allowed to cool naturally or, in some cases, there may be a built-in cooling system to accelerate the cooling process.

Temperature Control

A temperature controller is used to send and maintain the desired temperature within the tube furnace. This controller monitors the temperature through a thermocouple or thermoresistor, which is often placed within the heating chamber close to the sample.

Insulation

The tube furnace is well -insulated to minimize heat loss to the surroundings and to ensure that the temperature inside the furnace remains stable. Common insulation materials include ceramic fiber or refractory brick lining.

Heating

When the furnace is turned on, the heating elements generate heat, which is transferred to the tube and, in turn, to the sample. The temperature controller adjust the power supplied to the heating elements to maintain the set temperature.

Gas Environment

Depending on the application, tube furnaces can operate in different gas environments. For example, they can run in air, inert gases (e.g., nitrogen or argon), or vacuum. The choice of gas environment depends on the specific needs of the process and material being heated.

Optimization of the Split Tube Furnace for High-Temperature Processing

Temperature Control
Temperature Control is a critical aspect of split tube furnace optimization. The temperature of these furnaces must be controlled precisely to ensure that the desired reaction or process occurs efficiently and consistently. One of the main factors that affects temperature control is the type of heating element used. Resistance wire heating elements are commonly used in split tube furnaces due to their high-temperature capabilities and uniform heating characteristics. However, they can be susceptible to thermal drift, which can lead to temperature fluctuations and reduced process control. To mitigate this issue, a thermocouple can be used to monitor the temperature and provide feedback for the control system.

Gas Flow
Gas flow is another critical factor in split tube furnace optimization. The gas flow rate and composition can significantly affect the reaction or process, again occurring within a furnace chamber. For example, a higher gas flow rate can help remove reaction byproducts and improve process efficiency. On the other hand, a lower gas flow rate can lead to longer reaction times and higher yields. The gas composition is also crucial, as it can affect the reaction kinetics and product yields. For example, the addition of oxygen to a reaction can help to increase the reaction rate and yield. However, an excess of oxygen can lead to unwanted side reactions or product oxidation. Therefore, it is essential to carefully monitor the gas composition and adjust the flow rates accordingly.

Furnace Design
The design of the split tube furnace can also affect its performance and optimization. For example, the length and diameter of the furnace tube can affect the residence time and heat transfer within the furnace. A longer tube can lead to longer residence times and improved reaction efficiency, while a shorter tube can lead to higher gas velocities and improved gas-solid mixing. The material of the furnace tube can also affect its performance. Quartz is commonly used due to its high-temperature capabilities and excellent optical properties, which can be important for applications such as crystal growth. However, it is also brittle and can be susceptible to thermal shock. Therefore, other materials, such as alumina or silicon carbide, may be used for more robust applications.

Maintenance and Safety
Finally, maintenance and safety are critical aspects of optimization. Regular maintenance can help to ensure that the furnace is operating at peak performance and minimize downtime. This can include tasks such as cleaning the furnace chamber, replacing heating elements or thermocouples, and checking gas lines for leaks or blockages. Safety is also essential when operating these furnaces. They can operate at high temperatures, and it is crucial to follow proper safety procedures and use appropriate personal protective equipment. This can include wearing heat-resistant gloves and eye protection, ensuring proper ventilation of the furnace chamber, and following appropriate shutdown procedures.

Why Use Small Tube Furnaces for Quench Testing?

Atmospheric Controls

Horizontal tube furnaces are the perfect solution for thermal processes that have strict atmospheric requirements. The benefits of this are precise temperature control and programmable alerts, which are vital for a range of lab-based thermal processes.

Thermal Uniformity

Aside from developing a controlled atmosphere, a small tube furnace also allows for unmatched thermal uniformity. Material that is placed in the furnace’s ‘hot zone’ where temperatures can reach a high of 1800oC across a 360o axis. Quench testing requires this high-temperature stability to ensure the results are accurate, as do many other small batch production processes.

Zonal Heating

A horizontal tube furnace can be designed to suit a range of applications where zonal heating is beneficial or required. The heating zone in a tube furnace is in the center of the cylinder and a controlled thermal gradient can spread out to one or the other end of the tube.

Tube Furnaces Vs Box Furnaces

1200℃ atmosphere controlled vertical quenching furnace (3)

Large caliber single temperature zone 6-11 inch tube vacuum atmosphere furnace (2)

Appearance
Tubular furnaces are typically smaller and more compact than box furnaces, as they are designed to heat materials as they pass through a long, cylindrical tube. Box furnaces, on the other hand, are larger and more spacious, as they are designed to heat materials inside a sealed chamber or "box."
As a result, tubular furnaces tend to take up less space than box furnaces. However, the size and appearance of a particular furnace can vary depending on the specific design and intended use of the furnace.

Size
Tubular furnaces are often used to sinter small objects or materials because they can be inserted directly into the tube for heating. This can be useful for sintering small particle ore, glass powder, and ceramic powder, among other materials. Box furnaces, on the other hand, are typically used to sinter larger objects or materials, as they have a larger interior space that can accommodate larger items. Box furnaces can be used for a wide range of sintering applications, including the surface treatment of stainless steel and other materials.

Heating elements
Both box furnaces and tubular furnaces can use silicon molybdenum rods as heating elements, as these rods are capable of producing high temperatures and are resistant to wear and corrosion. However, the atmosphere inside a tubular furnace is typically circulated, as the material being heated is passed through the tube and is exposed to the hot atmosphere inside.
In a box furnace, on the other hand, the atmosphere is generally more stable, as the material being heated is contained within the sealed chamber and is not exposed to the external environment. This can affect the heating characteristics of the furnace and the materials being heated.

Applications
Both tubular furnaces and box furnaces are used in a wide range of industries and applications, and there is often overlap in the types of materials and processes that can be performed using these two types of furnaces. However, as you mentioned, tubular furnaces are generally better suited for heating shafts and strips, as these materials can be easily inserted into the tube for heating.
Box furnaces, on the other hand, are more versatile and can be used for a wider range of processes, as they have a larger interior space and can accommodate a wider range of materials. As a result, box furnaces are often preferred when universal or versatile heating is required.

The Considerations for Buying Tube Furnace

Know your application
Understand the specific requirements and needs of your application. This will help you determine the necessary specifications for the tube furnace.

Certifications
Check if the tube furnace has any necessary certifications, such as safety certifications or compliance with industry standards.

Working temperature
Determine the required temperature range for your application. Tube furnaces are available in different temperature ranges, such as 30-1100°C, 1200-1300°C, or 1400-1700°C. Consider the actual working temperature of the materials you will be processing.

Heating zone length
Choose the appropriate heating zone length based on the size of your sample. A suitable working space will improve heating performance and cost less.

Tube size and crucible size
Select the tube size (inner diameter) and crucible size based on the size and characteristics of your sample. Consider factors such as rotational speed, amount of material, tube diameter, hanging length, and tube thickness. The material used to make the tubes is also important, as different materials have different temperature limitations and potential applications.

Input voltage
Determine the required input voltage for the tube furnace. Ensure that the available power supply matches the voltage requirements of the furnace.

Vacuum pump
Consider the need for a vacuum pump. Some applications may require a controlled atmosphere or specific vacuum levels. Choose a tube furnace that is compatible with the necessary vacuum pump.

Our Certifications

Our Factory

Xinkyo Company was founded in 2005 by professional materials researchers. Its founder studied at Peking University and is a leading manufacturer of high-temperature experimental equipment and new materials research laboratory equipment. This enables us to provide high-quality, low-cost high-temperature equipment for materials research and development laboratories. Our products include high-temperature ovens, tube furnaces, vacuum furnaces, trolley furnaces, lifting furnaces, and other complete sets of equipment. Thanks to its excellent design, affordable prices, and customer service, Xinkyo is committed to becoming the world leader in materials science research for high-temperature equipment.

Ultimate FAQ Guide to Tube Furnace

Q: What is the principle of tube furnace?

A: Tube furnaces are designed to contain a work tube or vessel, into which samples can be placed and then heated. The heating elements are positioned around the work tube to optimise temperature distribution.

Q: What precautions should be taken when using a tube furnace?

A: Tube furnaces, like other electric furnaces, must be effectively grounded to ensure the safe use of the furnace; There should be no flammable or explosive substances around, and good ventilation should be ensured; Pay attention not to exceed the rated temperature of the furnace; Do not pour liquids or dissolved metals.

Q: What are the benefits of tube furnace?

A: Mature technology; simple furnace structure; low power consumption and high thermal efficiency.
Easy to operate, easy to control, continuous production.
The yield of ethylene and propylene is higher, and the product concentration is high.

Q: What are the applications of tube furnace?

A: Tube furnaces are widely used in heat treatment processes, including annealing, hardening, and tempering of metals and alloys. These processes involve heating materials to specific temperatures and then cooling them at controlled rates to achieve specific material properties.

Q: What is the temperature of a tube furnace?

A: Tube furnaces are available with maximum operating temperatures from 1100°C to 2600°C, depending on the product range and type of heating elements used in the construction.

Q: What is the difference between a tube furnace and a muffle furnace?

A: The key difference is muffle furnaces heat a relatively large chamber—ideal for samples that don't readily fit in a tube furnace. However, the cylindrical nature of a tube allows more precise and immediate control of temperature and gas flow.

Q: What are tube furnace tubes made of?

A: Common material for the reaction tubes include alumina, Pyrex, and fused quartz, or in the case of corrosive materials molybdenum or tungsten tubes can be used. The tube furnace was invented in the first decade of the 20th century and was originally used to manufacture ceramic filaments for Nernst lamps and glowers.

Q: How does tube in tube heat exchanger work?

A: A tube-in-tube heat exchanger can achieve a pure countercurrent flow, which allows a temperature crossover to be achieved so that the cold fluid can be heated above the hot fluid outlet temperature. The heated or cooled fluid never comes into contact with the fluid to which it is heating or cooling.

Q: How does a tube heat exchanger work?

A: Instead of transferring heat through parallel plates, shell and tube heat exchangers transfer heat between a bundle of tubes surrounded by a large shell vessel. Fluids that run through the tubes exchange heat with fluids that run over the tubes contained by the shell.

Q: What is the ideal furnace temperature?

A: Most recommend keeping your furnace between 68 and 70 degrees. You will find that after about a week at a lower temperature, your body becomes accustomed to it, and it no longer feels cold to you. You will also be surprised what some cozy sweaters, socks, and throws will do to keep you warm and comfortable.

Q: How should furnace exhaust be vented?

A: Proper sidewall venting requires installing separate vent pipes horizontally so that they vent to the outdoors through a wall of your home. These ventilation pipes should be isolated from the furnace combustion chamber and made airtight to eliminate the possibility of combustion gas leakage.

Q: Do muffle furnaces need to be vented?

A: Muffle furnaces use mechanical convection to direct airflow out of an exhaust muffle, and typically do not require placement in a fume hood (though it is recommended if possible in case the unit malfunctions).

Q: What is inside a fire tube boiler?

A: The basic design of a firetube boiler consists of a steel container, known as the drum, which holds water. Inside the drum are one or more tubes, through which hot gases from a fire pass. The heat from the gases is transferred to the water in the drum through the walls of the tubes, creating steam or hot water.

Q: What is the main cause of furnace explosions?

A: A furnace explosion is usually the result of ignition and instantaneous combustion of highly flammable gas, vapor, or dust that has accumulated in a boiler.

Q: What is the typical temperature range of a tube furnace?

A: Tube furnaces can operate across a wide temperature range, from room temperature up to around 1800°C, depending on the specific model.

Q: How is the temperature controlled in a tube furnace?

A: Temperature is controlled using sophisticated control systems and sensors that monitor and regulate the heating elements.

Q: Can a tube furnace operate in different atmospheres?

A: Yes, tube furnaces can create and maintain various atmospheric conditions, such as inert, reducing, or oxidizing environments.

Q: What are the key components of a tube furnace?

A: The main components include the heating chamber/tube, heating elements, temperature control systems, gas inlet/outlet ports, and insulation.

As one of the leading tube furnace manufacturers and suppliers in China, we warmly welcome you to buy high-grade tube furnace for sale here from our factory. All our products are with high quality and competitive price.