Compliance & Documentation
Can you provide calibration and certification documentation?
Yes. We offer calibration and full documentation packages to meet audit and compliance requirements.
General Product Info
Can I customize the size or features of a furnace?
Yes. We offer custom-built solutions including chamber size, access ports, temperature range, and control systems. You can always just give us a call or send an email and tell us exactly what you need. We have built huge custom furnaces that are over 5 stories tall so we can accommodate your needs.
Do you test each furnace before it leaves your factory?
All custom furnaces go through a Factory Acceptance Test (FAT) before leaving our factory. Our benchtop furnaces are also tested.
Do your benchtop furnaces come with a stand?
Optional heavy-duty steel stands are available to elevate the furnace and provide stability and cable clearance. These stands can be placed anywhere inside your shop ensuring an space-efficient workspace
Do your furnaces include a warranty?
Yes. Standard warranty is 1 year from date of delivery on all non-consumable parts. Extended warranties on non-consumable parts are also available upon request. We charge 4% of the purchase price per year.
How big are these furnaces?
The exact dimensions (Inner chamber and exterior dimensions) of each furnace are clearly listed on the website.
How long after I order will my benchtop furnace ship?
Each furnace will be built to the custom specifications of your order. The lead times vary depending on the time of year, and equipment availability.
How much is this furnace going to cost me once it’s built to my specifications?
Pricing for each furnace with every available option and voltage is clearly stated on our website. If you do not see what you are looking for or have questions, give us a call. We are always happy to help.
I need to introduce atmosphere during my heat treating process. Do you offer atmosphere furnaces?
Yes. We offer a wide variety of atmosphere furnaces to match your needs. We build these to spec so give us a 5 minute call so we can get started on your price quote. Or, drop us an RFQ [Link to RFQ page] with your heat- treating needs and we will email your quote.
Is it possible to add a stainless-steel inert gas inlet port so gas can be plumbed into the system?
A standard benchtop furnace is not made for atmosphere. It is not airtight therefore will have no benefits of using gas. We do however offer many different atmosphere furnaces that will work for your application.
What power configurations are available?
Most furnaces can be configured for single-phase, two-phase or three-phase power in common voltages (115V, 208V, 240V, 480V, etc.).
Heating Elements
Can element plates be replaced individually?
Yes. Element plates are modular and can be replaced individually without replacing the entire heating system.
What is a non-embedded element plate assembly?
These assemblies have exposed wire elements mounted on the surface of a ceramic backing plate, offering easy access for inspection and replacement.
What is an embedded element plate assembly?
Embedded assemblies have the heating elements molded or cast into insulating ceramic plates, providing even heat distribution and improved durability.
What types of heating elements do you offer?
Most of our benchtop furnaces come with wire wound embedded or non-embedded heating elements typically a KA-1 (FeCrAl alloy) or Nikrothal 80 (NiCr alloy) mounted in or on a ceramic element plate; depending on the furnace model and temperature range.
Temperature Controllers
Do you offer high-limit controllers?
Yes, we offer the Watlow Series LV high-limit temperature controller as an optional safety feature. It provides an added layer of protection by allowing you to set a maximum temperature limit. If that limit is ever reached, the system automatically shuts off power to the heating elements, helping prevent overheating and protecting both the furnace and your workload.
This safety feature can be added to any of our furnaces as an optional upgrade.
What types of temperature controllers come with your furnaces?
We offer a variety of temperature controllers to fit your heat-treating needs. Most furnaces come with a basic Watlow PM3; however, upgraded controllers capable of running complicated profiles are available as add-ons on our website. See available controllers here. [link to controller page]
What’s the difference between a Watlow PM3, PM4, F4 and West Pro-EC44 controller?
The PM3 Legacy is a simple and compact temperature controller capable of running a single setpoint with an on off function. The PM4 is an upgrade and has more advanced features. It can run 4 basic (up to 10 step)profiles. The WestPro EC44 is a more advanced controller offering 64 profiles (255 steps) with data logging. The F4 is larger with advanced multi-segment profiling. The F4 is ideal for complex processes and is capable of data logging. We made it easy to compare. See our comparison chart to learn more specifics (LINK TO CONTROLLER COMPARISON PAGE – MAKE IT OPEN IN NEW TAB)
Temperature Specifications
What is the maximum operating temperature of your benchtop furnaces?
Some models operate up to 2250°F.
Are your furnaces compliant with AMS 2750 standards?
Yes. We offer configurations that meet AMS 2750F requirements, including instrumentation types, thermocouple specifications, and documentation.
How accurate are your furnace temperature controllers?
With proper calibration and setup, our controllers typically maintain work zone temperature uniformity within 15°F.
What thermocouples are used for temperature control and monitoring?
We primarily use Type K thermocouples.
Thermocouples and Accessories
Can I add extra thermocouples to my furnace?
Yes. Additional thermocouples can be added through a test thermocouple port with test plug. This option is available and easy to add to any of our benchtop furnace models.
Do you offer spare thermocouples?
Yes, we offer replacement thermocouples with ceramic insulators and threaded connector bushings.
What is a test thermocouple port with a threaded plug?
It’s an optional add-on port that allows users to insert a test thermocouple into the furnace chamber for temperature profiling or calibration, sealed with a threaded plug when not in use.
