Laboratory ovens and furnaces are both essential for heating purposes in a lab.
However, they have some significant differences.
5 Key Differences Between Laboratory Ovens and Furnaces
1. Temperature Range
The main difference between a laboratory oven and a furnace is the temperature range they can achieve.
A laboratory oven typically reaches temperatures from 5°C to 450°C.
In contrast, a furnace is designed for higher temperature applications.
Furnaces can operate at temperatures ranging from 900°C to 1400°C and even higher.
2. Heat Distribution
Ovens and furnaces use different methods for heat distribution.
Ovens use convection heating, which circulates hot air around the samples.
This allows for more even and controlled heating.
Furnaces, on the other hand, may use radiation or conduction for heat distribution.
The heat in a furnace is often more intense and localized, which is necessary for certain applications.
3. Applications
Ovens are commonly used for drying materials in sample preparation or for moisture content determinations.
They are also suitable for sterilization, baking substrates, and curing samples.
Furnaces are used for more specialized applications that require higher temperatures.
These can include annealing, crystal growth, melting and incineration, bonding materials, and drying out components.
4. Size and Insulation
Laboratory furnaces tend to be smaller and more compact compared to ovens.
They are designed with thicker insulation walls to maintain the higher temperatures.
Furnaces often have smaller chambers, and specimens are tested in ceramic or special metal crucibles.
5. Compatibility
It's important to note that both laboratory ovens and furnaces are not compatible with organic materials at their higher temperature ranges.
This is because organic materials can melt or burn at these temperatures.
Therefore, they are primarily used for inorganic materials and non-organic samples.
Continue Exploring, Consult Our Experts
Looking for high-quality laboratory equipment? Look no further than KINTEK!
Whether you need a laboratory oven for drying materials or a laboratory furnace for high-temperature applications, we have you covered.
Our ovens offer efficient sample processing at lower temperatures, while our furnaces can achieve temperatures up to 1400°C.
Choose KINTEK for reliable and precise equipment that meets your specific needs.
Contact us today to explore our wide range of laboratory solutions!
