What are the differences in Processing Capacity, Energy Consumption, and Sintering Efficiency Among Vacuum Sintering Furnaces with Different Furnace Sizes?
Release time:
2025-11-24
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Abstract
1、 Differences in processing capacity
The processing capacity is directly related to the effective volume of the furnace. Large furnace vacuum sintering furnaces (such as those with a diameter of over 600 × 900mm) can load a large number of workpieces or large components at once, making them suitable for large-scale continuous production, significantly increasing single batch output, and reducing the frequency of loading and unloading per unit product and labor costs. The small furnace type (such as Φ 200 × 300mm) has limited processing capacity and is suitable for laboratory research and development, small batch customization, or precision parts production. It has high flexibility but low production capacity. It is worth noting that if the large furnace operates at low load for a long time, it will lead to low equipment utilization and indirectly increase the cost sharing per unit product.
2、 Comparison of Energy Consumption Characteristics
Unit energy consumption: The large furnace body has a large heat capacity, the total thickness of the insulation layer increases, the relative volume ratio of the heat dissipation surface area is small, the heat loss rate is low, and the insulation performance is better. When operating at full load, its unit product energy consumption (kWh/kg) is usually lower than that of a small furnace. Although the total power of a small furnace is small, the heat storage and dissipation losses per unit of material are greater, resulting in relatively lower energy efficiency.
Total energy consumption and heating time: A large furnace requires high heating power, takes longer to reach sintering temperature (often up to 1500-2200 ℃), and has high initial energy consumption; The small furnace has low thermal inertia, fast heating, low start-up energy consumption, and is suitable for intermittent operations with frequent start stop.
3、 Sintering efficiency and temperature uniformity
Sintering efficiency: If the design of the large furnace is not reasonable, it is easy to have a large temperature difference between the center and the edge (>± 10 ℃), which affects product consistency. It is necessary to rely on multi zone temperature control and optimize the radiation screen structure to improve it. Modern large-scale furnaces are equipped with zone heating and intelligent temperature control systems to ensure high uniformity. The small furnace has a compact space and a more uniform temperature field, which is conducive to high-quality sintering.
Vacuum pumping efficiency: A large furnace has a large volume, and it takes longer to pump to a high vacuum degree (such as 10 ⁻²~10 ⁻³ Pa). The configuration requirements of the vacuum pump group are higher, which affects the overall cycle efficiency.
Large furnace is suitable for efficient and low consumption scenarios of large-scale and stable production; The advantage of a small furnace lies in its flexibility, fast response, and suitability for research and development as well as small batch high-precision sintering. When choosing, it should be balanced based on production capacity, product specifications, and process stability requirements to ensure maximum furnace utilization and achieve a balance between energy efficiency and benefits.
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2022-07-28
2025-11-24
Zhuzhou Chi Carbon Automation Equipment Co., Ltd
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