Ever wonder … what’s the difference between an electric fired furnace
and a kiln?
Although furnaces and kilns both provide a source of high temperature to
process materials, their difference lies in intended application and
construction.
Kilns are typically associated with heating pottery and ceramic wares.
They’re intended for periodic use whereby the kiln is loaded with material at
room temperature, slowly heated to an elevated temperature and then
automatically shutting off to begin a slow cool down to ambient temperature. Kilns
are designed with lower power (KW) and thin gauge heating element coils
supported in grooves cut into the insulation of the chamber. Kiln construction
features thinner walls of insulation; the shell is assembled with lighter gauge
metals.
Furnaces are generally designed for heat treating metals at temperatures
above 1400°F. A furnace is heated to temperature and remains at set point for
extended periods or on a continuous basis. Parts being heated are
loaded/unloaded while the furnace chamber soaks at temperature. The furnace
chamber provides uniform heating with precision temperature control. Furnace
construction is heavy duty with multi-layered walls of insulation, heavy gauge
heating element coils mounted in removable holders, and higher power ratings
for faster heat up and load recovery rates. In addition, furnaces are commonly
designed for operation with protective atmospheres for achieving various
surface finishes on the metals.
