L&L Special Furnace Co. Inc. received an order for a large retort box furnace that will be used for de-bindering ceramic composite pre-peg materials along with powder-metals processing and hot isostatic processing. The main function of the furnace is to remove all organics and other materials used in the product prior to placing in a high-fire vacuum chamber. The de-bindering process allows for a strong, lightweight finished part.

The furnace, which has a work zone of 29 inches wide x 29 inches high x 35 inches deep, has a temperature uniformity of ±20°F at 1100°F using six zones of temperature control with biasing to balance any temperature gradients. It is constructed of low-mass insulation that allows for quicker cool-down times. The furnace has a venturi cooling blower controlled by a Eurotherm program control with over-temperature protection. There is also a programmable flow panel to manage the nitrogen flow throughout the process.