Reflector furnaces are heated by reflecting radiant energy back and forth between the walls of the chamber. They are typically cylindrical or oval shaped, and fall into two main categories - induction and resistance furnaces. These furnaces are most commonly used in the steel and aluminum industry, but can be found in many other industries that require the controlled heat treatment of a variety of materials.
Induction furnaces are formed from non-metallic casing and can provide precise heating to temperatures of up to 1500°C. These systems consist of an induction coil, a furnace body (retort or crucible) and a power supply for controlling the induction coil. With an induction furnace, the entire volume of material can be evenly heated in relatively short amounts of time, making them one of the most efficient heating systems available. They are also suitable for melting a variety of materials, such as steel, gold, silver and copper.
Resistance furnaces are those that contain a resistance heating element, encased in a metallic type shell that is electrically charged. This type of furnace is used mainly for heat treating processes, such as tempering, annealing and hardening. The advantages of resistance furnaces are their high degree of accuracy and repeatability, as well as the fact that they can be used for both batch and continuous operations.
A reflector furnace is extremely efficient and durable, and can last for many years with proper maintenance and care. As with any furnace, safety measures must be observed at all times to ensure the safety of both the staff and equipment. By following the manufacturers guidelines, a reflector furnace will provide a lifetime of service.
