Across International

<h2>What is a Tube Furnace?</h2>
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A tube furnace is an electric heating instrument with a central cylindrical bore through which a sealed work tube is inserted, surrounded on the outside by resistive heating elements embedded in refractory insulation. Gas inlet and outlet fittings seal the tube ends with flanges, enabling the introduction of specific gas atmospheres or evacuation for vacuum operation. Quartz (fused silica) tubes are transparent, allowing visual observation, and are rated for continuous use to 1,200 degrees C. Alumina (Al2O3) ceramic tubes are opaque and stable to 1,700 degrees C, with higher chemical resistance to alkaline materials. The uniform heating zone - the central portion of the tube where temperature uniformity meets the manufacturer's specification (typically plus or minus 1-5 degrees C) - defines where samples must be placed for consistent results. Choose a tube furnace for any process requiring a controlled gas atmosphere or vacuum; choose a muffle furnace for open-air ashing, calcination, or sintering where atmosphere control is not needed.
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<h2 dir="ltr">What You Will Find:</h2>
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CVD tube furnace systems come fully equipped with gas mixing and pumping hardware, making them a complete solution for high-level chemical vapor deposition.
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Rotary and tilting furnaces provide continuous sample agitation during the heating process, ensuring every part of your material receives uniform thermal treatment.
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Split tube furnace designs feature a top-opening structure that makes it incredibly easy for your team to swap tubes or inspect samples mid-run.
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Multi-zone heating units allow you to create specific temperature gradients across the tube, giving you professional-level control over complex thermal profiles.
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RF generators and PE/CVD setups provide the specialized power needed for plasma-enhanced processes, perfect for cutting-edge thin-film research.
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Alumina tube furnaces utilize high-purity ceramic tubes and sealing flanges to maintain a clean, high-temperature environment up to 1700&deg;C.
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<h2>How to Choose a Tube Furnace</h2>
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Work tube material
Quartz (fused silica) tubes are standard for processes up to 1,200 degrees C, are transparent (allowing visual process monitoring), and are available in diameters from 25 to 200 mm. Above 1,200 degrees C, quartz devitrifies (turns opaque and brittle) and softens. High-purity alumina (99.7% Al2O3) tubes extend the usable range to 1,700 degrees C and are chemically more resistant than quartz to alkali vapors and some metal-organic precursors used in CVD. Specialty tube materials (molybdenum, tungsten, Inconel) are used for corrosive-atmosphere or extreme-temperature applications.
Single-zone vs. multi-zone heating
Single-zone tube furnaces produce one uniform temperature zone (typically 10-30 cm long) and are standard for most annealing, sintering, and CVD applications. Multi-zone furnaces have two or more independently controlled heating zones along the tube length -- enabling temperature gradients for Bridgman crystal growth, sequential thermal profiles (debinding followed by sintering in a single run), or extended uniform zone length by running outer zones at higher power to compensate for end cooling. Multi-zone configurations feature 30-segment programmable PID control per zone and temperature control accuracy of plus or minus 1 degree C in research-grade models.
Bore diameter and heated zone length
Standard bore sizes are 25 mm (compact single-sample), 50 mm (most common research format), 80 mm, and 100 mm inner diameter for larger samples or substrate wafers. Quartz tube diameters range from 25 to 300 mm up to 1,200 degrees C; alumina tubes are available from 25 to 100 mm for processes to 1,700 degrees C. The heated zone length (10-60 cm for single-zone models) determines maximum sample length; all sample material must fit within the uniform hot zone.
Horizontal vs. vertical orientation
Horizontal tube furnaces position the tube axis parallel to the bench surface, are the most common configuration, and allow easy sample insertion via push-rod with consistent gas flow from one end to the other. Vertical tube furnaces orient the tube perpendicular to the bench, enabling gravity-assisted processes such as powder sintering, where material settles uniformly in the crucible, and crystal growth methods that exploit natural convection. Vertical configurations also reduce bench footprint for space-limited labs.
Split-hinge design
Split-hinge (clam-shell) tube furnaces open along the length of the furnace body to allow tube insertion or removal without threading through the furnace from one end. Benefits include faster tube material changes during process development, the ability to use shorter tube segments, and rapid forced cooling by opening the furnace after a run. Split-hinge models are popular for CVD process development labs where tube configurations change frequently.
Gas flow and safety requirements
Hydrogen-containing atmospheres require dedicated safety measures beyond standard inert gas setups: combustible gas sensors, local exhaust ventilation, solenoid emergency shut-off valves, nitrogen pre- and post-purge sequences, and grounding of all gas fittings. Mass flow controllers (MFCs) provide precise gas flow rate control (0-500 standard cm3 per minute, typical range) for reproducible CVD deposition conditions. Vacuum operation requires rotary vane or turbomolecular pumps, vacuum gauges, and leak-tested stainless steel Swagelok connections.
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<h2>Specifications Context</h2>
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Uniform heating zone temperature uniformity of plus or minus 1-3 degrees C for research-grade single-zone tube furnaces is measured by traversing a calibrated thermocouple along the tube axis at maximum setpoint; confirm this measurement in supplier documentation. The maximum heating rate is typically 10-30 degrees C per minute; room temperature to 1,700 degrees C takes approximately 170 minutes at the maximum rate for alumina tube models with MoSi2 elements. Tube furnace bore diameters of 50 mm and 80 mm cover the majority of research sample formats; 25 mm compact models suit single-sample inline gas-flow experiments. Integrated turnkey tube furnace systems combining furnace body, MFC gas control manifold, vacuum pump, and 30-segment programmable touchscreen controller are available from specialist manufacturers, reducing new CVD process setup time significantly.
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To discuss product availability or get selection guidance,&nbsp;<a href="https://mbpinc.net/contact-us">contact the MBP team</a>.

Tube Furnaces

Stainless steel vacuum sealing flanges w/ pressure gauge

Standard Package

Across International Tube Furnace Flange Setup

How to Program the Across International Tube Furnace Eurotherm Temperature Controller?

1-Zone 1200°C 50mm OD Split Tube Furnace

STF1200 50x600mm (ODxlength) portable top-open tube furnaces feature spiral wire coils embedded in Mitsubishi (Japan) alumina fiber insulation. A double walled steel internal housing helps minimize heat loss to exterior surface. Furnace operation is controlled by a 30-segment digital controller. All our furnaces are CE compliant.\r\n\r\n

Model

Electrical requirements

Tube

Maximum working temperature

Constant working temperature

Minimum working temperature

Constant working temperature under vacuum

Rated vacuum pressure

Rated positive pressure

Heating element type

Thermo couple type

Temperature controller

Maximum heating rate

Heating zone length

Constant temperature zone length

Temperature controller precision

Vacuum sealing flange kit

Gas inlet/outlet

Unit dimensions

 Unit weight

Compliance

Manufacturer

1-Zone 1750°C Max 80mm OD Tube Furnace Specifications

80mm OD Furnace Model Details

Stainless steel vacuum sealing flange set w/ pressure meter

Furnace and Eurotherm or Shimaden controller manual

1-Zone 1750°C Max 80mm OD Tube Furnace

TF1750 series tube furnaces feature a chamber with Mitsubishi (Japan) high quality 1900 grade alumina fiber insulation and molybdenum silicide heating elements. A double walled steel internal housing helps minimize heat loss to exterior surface.\r\n\r\nFurnace operation is controlled by Eurotherm (UK) digital multi-segment controller with built-in digital communication port, allowing the user to connect to a PC for remote control and monitoring of the furnace. You can also save or export test results.\r\n\r\n

<h2>What Are Muffle Furnaces?</h2>
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A muffle furnace is a sealed, electrically heated box furnace in which the ceramic muffle chamber isolates the sample entirely from the heating elements, preventing direct contact with resistive wires and ensuring that any combustion by-products from the sample are vented away from the heating system. Modern muffle furnaces use electric resistance heating rather than combustion fuels, but the muffle design continues to provide contamination-free heating by radiating and convecting heat uniformly from all chamber walls. Standard muffle furnaces with Kanthal (FeCrAl) metallic wire elements reach 1,000-1,200 degrees C continuous working temperature; high-temperature models with silicon carbide (SiC) elements reach 1,400-1,600 degrees C; and ultra-high-temperature models with molybdenum disilicide (MoSi2) elements reach 1,700-1,800 degrees C. The continuous working temperature is typically 100 degrees C below the stated maximum temperature and is the more operationally relevant specification. Choose the muffle furnace type based on the continuous working temperature your process requires, not the maximum temperature rating.
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<h2 dir="ltr">What You Will Find:</h2>
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Controlled atmosphere muffle furnaces allow you to run experiments under specific gas conditions or vacuum, featuring ETL/CE certification for total peace of mind.
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Multi-segment PID controllers give you incredible precision over your heating cycles, letting you program complex temperature ramps with up to 30 segments.
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Benchtop muffle furnaces utilize high-quality Kanthal heating elements to deliver rapid and even heat distribution in a compact, space-saving design.
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PC interface furnace systems make data logging and remote monitoring a breeze, so you can track your thermal runs directly from your computer.
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High-temperature muffle units reach extreme thresholds up to 1750&deg;C, perfect for demanding industrial applications and specialized material science research.
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<h2>How to Choose a Muffle Furnace</h2>
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Heating element and maximum temperature
Kanthal (FeCrAl alloy) wire elements are the most affordable and suitable for continuous use to 1,100-1,200 degrees C for standard ashing, LOI, calcination, and low-temperature ceramic work. Silicon carbide rod elements withstand continuous use to 1,450-1,550 degrees C with good thermal shock resistance, appropriate for advanced ceramic sintering and glass melting. Molybdenum disilicide (MoSi2) U-bend elements extend continuous use to 1,600-1,700 degrees C, covering high-temperature ceramics, refractories, and demanding materials research; they require specific operating humidity and atmosphere conditions to prevent element degradation.
Chamber volume and dimensions
Chamber volume (in liters) and internal dimensions (H x W x D in centimeters) determine how many crucibles or sample boats fit per run. Compact benchtop models with 1-4 L chambers suit single-sample analytical ashing and small-batch research. Mid-size models of 5-15 L accommodate multiple crucibles for batch ceramic sintering or parallel LOI measurements. Large-chamber units above 15 L are designed for industrial or pilot-scale heat treatment. Confirm that your largest crucible and sample holder fit within the internal dimensions before specifying.
Programmable controller vs. single setpoint
Single-setpoint PID controllers maintain a fixed temperature and are appropriate for routine ashing at a defined temperature (e.g., 550 degrees C for organic matter, 900 degrees C for carbonates). Programmable multi-segment controllers (typically 20-30 segments) enable automated ramp-hold-cool sequences, which are critical for ceramic sintering profiles where controlled heating rates prevent thermal shock and cracking, for annealing protocols requiring slow controlled cooling, and for glass melting with defined viscosity transitions. RS-232 or USB connectivity allows protocol logging for audit and reproducibility.
Vent port and exhaust management
Muffle furnaces designed for organic ashing and combustion applications include a vent port in the door or top panel to exhaust volatile combustion gases, preventing pressure build-up and protecting the heating element from reactive vapors. Ashing in a poorly vented furnace accelerates element degradation. When ashing sulfur-bearing, halogen-containing, or heavy-metal samples, operate the furnace in a fume hood or ventilated enclosure and confirm that vent gases are safely handled.
Safety features
Research-grade muffle furnaces include over-temperature protection that automatically cuts furnace power when chamber temperature exceeds a preset safety threshold (typically 50-100 degrees C above the setpoint). Door safety switches cut power or trigger an alarm on accidental door opening at high temperatures. Ceramic fiber insulation ensures that outer surface temperatures remain below 50 degrees C during rated operation, reducing burn hazard.
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<h2>Specifications Context</h2>
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The continuous working temperature of a muffle furnace is typically 100 degrees C below the published maximum, and is the specification that governs whether the furnace will complete overnight sintering runs without element degradation. Heating rate from ambient to maximum temperature is typically 5-30 degrees C per minute; a 4.5 L benchtop muffle furnace with ceramic fiber insulation typically reaches 1,000 degrees C in approximately 30-40 minutes at maximum ramp rate. Temperature uniformity across the muffle chamber is specified as plus or minus 5-15 degrees C at maximum temperature; better uniformity requires larger clearance around samples and slower heating rates. Programmable controllers with 30-segment ramp-and-dwell capability, over-temperature protection, and USB data export are standard specifications on research-grade muffle furnaces.&nbsp;
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Ready to bring some high-precision heat to your lab? Browse our muffle furnace collection and <a href="https://mbpinc.net/contact-us">reach out to the MBP team</a> for a quote today.

Muffle Furnaces

1050Â°C 4x4x4" Compact Muffle Furnace w/ 30-Seg PID Controller

Chamber dimensions (DxWxH)

Chamber usable space (DxWxH)

 Min. working temperature

 Max. working temperature

 Max. constant working temperature

Refractory lining

 Heating element

 Thermocouple type

 Temperature controller

 Temperature accuracy

 Unit dimensions (DxWxH)

 Shipping dimensions (DxWxH)

 Shipping weight

 Compliance

 Warranty

1200C Controlled Atmosphere Muffle Furnace Specifications

Spare heating element (Picture on left for GCF1400 and on right for GCF1700)

KF40 Quick Clamp, Centering Ring, and End Cap

Crucibles (ID: 53.5 mm, OD: 60 mm, Height: 61.7 mm) with lids (OD: 66.7 mm, Thickness: 6.75 mm)

Furnace operation manual & Eurotherm temperature controller manual

GCF1200 Standard Package

Across International Controlled Atmosphere Furnace FAQs

Across International Controlled Atmosphere Furnace Quick Overview

1200C Controlled Atmosphere Muffle Furnace ETL/CE Certified

GCF1200 series-controlled atmosphere furnaces feature a chamber with Mitsubishi (Japan) high quality alumina fiber insulation and the famous Kanthal (Sweden) heating elements. A double walled steel internal housing helps minimize heat loss to exterior surface. Furnace operation is controlled by Eurotherm (UK) or Shimaden (Japan) digital controller with built-in digital communication port and USB adaptor, allowing the user to connect to a PC for remote control and monitoring of the furnace. You can also save or export test results.

1200C cntrld atmosphere furnace, 12x8x8

1200C cntrld atmosphere furnace, 16x12x12

1200C cntrld atmosphere furnace, 20x16x16

Size Comparison

1200°C Benchtop Muffle Furnace w/ Kanthal Elements Specifications

Spare heating element (Picture on left for CF1400 and on right for CF1700) – ONLY FOR CF1400 & CF1700

CF1200 Standard Package

1200°C Benchtop Muffle Furnace w/ Kanthal Elements ETL/CE Certified

CF1200 series benchtop muffle furnaces feature the famous Kanthal (Sweden) spiral wire coils embedded in Mitsubishi (Japan) high quality alumina fiber insulation. A double walled steel internal housing helps minimize heat loss to exterior surface.\r\n\r\nFurnace operation is controlled by Eurotherm (UK) or Shimaden (Japan) digital controller with built-in digital communication port and USB adaptor, allowing the user to connect to a PC for remote control and monitoring of the furnace. You can also save or export test results

1200°C Muffle Furnace w/ Kanthal Heating Elements

Furnace, Vacuum Pump, and Gas Mixing System Specifications

RF Generator Specifications

Stainless steel vacuum sealing flanges w/ pressure meter

Across International PECVD Tube Furnaces Systems (STF1200cvd) Key Features

1200°C PE/CVD Furnace w/ RF Generator, Gas Mix & Pumping System

STF1200 series Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) and Plasma-Enhanced Chemical Vapor Deposition (PECVD) single or multi-zone split tube furnaces feature the famous Kanthal (Sweden) wire heating elements embedded in high quality Mitsubishi (Japan) alumina fiber insulation. All steel dual-layer housing ensures durability and helps minimize heat loss to exterior surface.\r\n\r\nFurnace operation is controlled by Eurotherm (UK) digital controller with built-in digital communication, allowing the user to connect to a PC for remote control and monitoring of the furnace. You can also save or export test results.

1-Zone 1200°C PE/CVD Stationary Furnace W/ RF Generator, Gas Mix & Pumping System 60mm OD

1-Zone 1200°C PE/CVD Stationary Furnace W/ RF Generator, Gas Mix & Pumping System 100mm OD

1-Zone 1200°C PE/CVD Stationary Furnace W/ RF Generator, Gas Mix & Pumping System 150mm OD

1-Zone 1200°C PE/CVD Slidable Furnace W/ RF Generator, Gas Mix & Pumping System 60mm OD

1-Zone 1200°C PE/CVD Slidable Furnace W/ RF Generator, Gas Mix & Pumping System 100mm OD

1-Zone 1200°C PE/CVD Slidable Furnace W/ RF Generator, Gas Mix & Pumping System 150mm OD

1400C 1-3Zone Tube Furnace with Alumina Tube

Furnace Models and Dimensions

Furnace and Shimaden or Eurotherm controller manual

TF1400 Tube Furnace

1400C 1-Zone Tube Furnace with Alumina Tube

TF1400 series tube furnaces feature a chamber with Mitsubishi (Japan) high quality alumina fiber insulation and SiC heating elements. A dual-wall steel internal housing helps minimize heat loss to exterior surface. Furnace operation is controlled by Eurotherm (UK) digital multi-segment controller with built-in digital communication port, allowing the user to connect to a PC for remote control and monitoring of the furnace. You can also save or export test results.\r\n\r\n

1-Zone 1400°C Tube Furnace OD 60mm

1-Zone 1400°C Tube Furnace OD 100mm

1400C Controlled Atmosphere Muffle Furnace ETL/CE Certified Specifications

GCF1400 Standard Package

1400C Controlled Atmosphere Muffle Furnace ETL/CE Certified

GCF1400 series controlled atmosphere furnaces feature a chamber with Mitsubishi (Japan) high quality alumina fiber insulation and SiC heating elements. A double walled steel internal housing helps minimize heat loss to exterior surface. Furnace operation is controlled by Eurotherm (UK) or Shimaden (Japan) multi-segment digital controller with built-in digital communications port and USB adaptor, allowing the user to connect to a PC for remote control and monitoring of the furnace. You can also save or export test results.\r\n\r\n

1400°C Max Cont Atmosp Muffle Furnace 6X6X6

1400°C Max Cont Atmosp Muffle Furnace 12X8X8

1400°C Max Cont Atmosp Muffle Furnace 16X12X12

1400°C CVD Tube Furnace with Gas Mixing & Pumping System Specifications

Vacuum pump, exhaust filter and fittings (optional)

TF1400cvd Standard Package

1400°C CVD Tube Furnace with Gas Mixing & Pumping System

TF1400 series Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) tube furnaces feature a chamber with Mitsubishi (Japan) high quality alumina fiber insulation and SiC heating elements. A dual-wall steel internal housing helps minimize heat loss to exterior surface.\r\n\r\nFurnace operation is controlled by Eurotherm (UK) digital controller with built-in communication port, allowing the user to connect to a PC for remote control and monitoring of the furnace.

1-Zone 1400°C CVD Tube Furnace With Gas Mixing & Pumping System 60mm OD

1-Zone 1400°C CVD Tube Furnace With Gas Mixing & Pumping System 100mm OD

1400°C Multi-Segment Muffle Furnace PC Interface Specifications

CF1400 Standard Package

Across International 1400C High-Temperature Muffle Furnace, ETL/CE Certified

1400°C Multi-Segment Muffle Furnace PC Interface ETL/CE Certified

CF1400 series muffle furnaces feature a chamber with Mitsubishi (Japan) high quality alumina fiber insulation and silicon carbide (SiC) heating elements. A double walled steel internal housing helps minimize heat loss to exterior surface.\r\n\r\nFurnace operation is controlled by Eurotherm (UK) or Shimaden (Japan) digital controller with built-in digital communication port and USB adaptor, allowing the user to connect to a PC for remote control and monitoring of the furnace. You can also save or export test results.

1400°C 40-Segment Muffle Furnace w/ PC Int

Furnace Specifications

TF1700cvd Standard Package

1700°C CVD Tube Furnace with Gas Mixing & Pumping System

TF1700 series Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) tube furnaces feature a chamber with Mitsubishi (Japan) alumina fiber insulation and molybdenum silicide heating elements. A double walled steel internal housing helps minimize heat loss to exterior surface.\r\n\r\nFurnace operation is controlled by Eurotherm (UK) digital controller with communication port, allowing the user to connect to a PC for remote control and monitoring of the furnace.

1-Zone 1700°C CVD Tube Furnace With Gas Mixing & Pumping System 60mm OD

1-Zone 1700°C CVD Tube Furnace With Gas Mixing & Pumping System 100mm OD

1700°C Max Controlled Atmosphere Muffle Furnace Specifications

Additional Size Comparison

GCF1700 Maximum Working Temperatures

GCF1700 Standard Package

1700°C Max Controlled Atmosphere Muffle Furnace w/ PC Interface

GCF1700 series controlled atmosphere furnaces feature a chamber with Mitsubishi (Japan) high quality alumina fiber insulation and MoSi2 heating elements. A double walled steel internal housing helps minimize heat loss to exterior surface. Furnace operation is controlled by Eurotherm (UK) or Shimaden (Japan) multi-segment digital controller with built-in digital communications port and USB adaptor, allowing the user to connect to a PC for remote control and monitoring of the furnace. You can also save or export test results. All our furnaces are CE compliant.\r\n\r\n