Introduction
A resistance furnace is an electric furnace that uses a resistor as its heating element. It is one of the many components used in a variety of industries for melting and heat treating metal. A resistance furnace can be used for heating, forging and hardening metal, as well as for hot working and heat treating processes. The two types of resistance heating include: direct resistance heating and indirect resistance heating.
Types of Resistance Furnaces
Direct resistance heating furnaces are used in a variety of applications such as forging, hardening and heat treatment. This type of furnace uses electric resistance heating elements to heat the furnace and the workpiece. As the workpiece heats, its temperature is controlled by a power regulator or thermocouple. This type of furnace is used when large amounts of heat are needed and there is not enough time or space to heat the material evenly.
Indirect resistance heating is used for any type of furnace in which the entire chamber is heated as one integral unit. In this type of furnace, the workpiece does not come into contact with the heating element. Instead, a resistive current is passed through a ceramic insulator, which acts as a resistor. This resistor then transfers the heat from the resistive elements to the furnace chamber. This type of furnace is usually used for heat treating applications such as annealing and tempering.
Advantages of Resistance Furnaces
The primary benefit of a resistance furnace is its accuracy. The temperature of the furnace can be accurately controlled, and the system is not affected by outside conditions or temperature. This makes it ideal for processes such as heat treatment and forging where precise temperatures are essential. The heating elements are also easy to install, making setup and maintenance a breeze.
In addition, resistance furnaces are energy efficient, since they are able to use high temperatures more effectively. They also offer faster heating times compared to other furnace types. Finally, the heating elements have a long life span compared to other types of heating systems, making them a cost-effective option for many industrial applications.
Disadvantages of Resistance Furnaces
On the downside, the efficiency of a resistance furnace is dependent on the environment. If the air temperature is too low, the furnace may not be able to heat as efficiently. Additionally, these furnaces can be expensive to purchase, as well as difficult and dangerous to install due to their high-voltage requirements. Finally, the resistive elements used in the heating design may become fragile and break over time.
Conclusion
A resistance furnace is an essential component in many industrial processes such as forging, annealing and heat treating. This type of furnace is accurate, efficient and cost effective, but they can be expensive to purchase, and their resistive elements may be fragile and break over time. Nonetheless, resistance furnaces are widely used in industries all over the world, and their benefits are undeniable.
