Automotive Parts Stamper Uses Ceramic Fiber-Lined Furnace for Heat Treating

Lucifer Furnaces, Inc. (Warrington, PA) received an order for an electric ceramic fiber-lined box furnace from a leading U.S. stamping manufacturer of automotive products. The Model LI7-M18, with a chamber size of 12 in W x 18 in L x 18 in H, quickly heats to a uniform 2,200 deg F.  A hotface of 2 in ceramic fiber insulation with 3 in coldface mineral wool block insulation around the entire chamber maximizes heating efficiency with low power input.

Ceramic fiber insulation, with low heat storage and low thermal conductivity combined with high thermal shock resistance, allows faster heat up/cool down cycles, reducing wait times between loads resulting in increased production. Heavy gauge coil-wound Kanthal A1 iron-chromium-aluminum wire heating elements are supported on ceramic rods effecting rapid heat up. The elements, mounted on both side walls, can be easily replaced individually, savings costs. A 1 in thick hearth plate protects the floor insulation and supports up to 40 lbs per sq ft of hearth area.

Temperature is monitored by a rear-mounted Type K thermocouple and regulated by a Honeywell DC2500 microprocessor-based digital time-proportioning temperature controller. An insulated horizontal swing door with a tight seal comes standard with a safety switch. Ceramic fiber lined furnaces are general purpose box furnaces for batch heat treating in air atmosphere.

Lucifer Furnaces, Inc., 2048 Bunnell Road, Warrington PA 18976, 800-378-0095, www.luciferfurnaces.com.