Depending on the material to be annealed and the demands of the particular application, a variety of furnace types might be employed for the process. Here are few instances:
An oven often used for annealing metals and other materials is the box furnace. Constructed from materials resistant to high temperatures, such as ceramic or refractory brick, the furnace resembles a box. Box furnaces can be heated by electric resistance elements, gas burners, or oil-fired burners in a range of atmospheres, including air, nitrogen, hydrogen, and so on.
Continuous furnace: A continuous furnace can be utilized in large-scale industrial processes that need for high-volume annealing. The material being annealed in this kind of furnace is run through a lengthy, continuous heating zone that can offer high throughput and reliable temperature control.
Vacuum furnace: A vacuum furnace can be used to anneal materials that are susceptible to contamination or oxidation. This kind of furnace can precisely manage the annealing temperature and environment while operating in a vacuum or low-pressure environment.
Muffle furnace: A muffle furnace is a kind of box furnace in which the material undergoing annealing is housed in a separate chamber known as a "muffle". Better control over the annealing environment and protection against contamination from the fuel combustion products utilized in the furnace are two benefits of this design.
In general, the kind of furnace that is used for annealing will rely on the material being annealed, the desired qualities of the annealed material, and the needs of the particular application.
