At Ants Ceramics we expect to you get the very best out of every crucible we provide. However, a key factor to determine the performance and lifespan of a crucible is how the crucible is handled, operated and maintained at the customer’s end. So here we have created a Alumina Crucible Care Guide to take care of your alumina crucibles.  

Alumina Crucible Care Guide

1. Checking Your Crucible for crack or damage when received:

Although our crucibles undergo strict quality control and we take a extensive care to pack crucibles, however very occasionally damage can result during shipping.  When you receive your crucibles we ask you to inspect it carefully for cracks and never use a damaged crucible. If any of them are damaged during shipping get in contact with us for replacement.

2.  Handling your crucibles with care:

Never stack crucibles inside one another. This can lead to cracking. Alumina Crucibles are fragile. Please handle them carefully.  

3.   Installing your Crucible:

It is recommended to keep at least 25 mm distance from the heating elements. Not having adequate space between your crucible and top and sides of your furnace may lead to cracking when the crucibles expands on heating.   

Make sure your alumina crucibles are  completely dry before use. If they get wet, let them dry naturally before using them. If  you want to use a dryer or oven ensure the dry process is slow.

Do not load too many materials in alumina crucibles, which can increase the possibility of uneven heating.

4. Preventing Thermal Shock:

Large crucibles may need some preheating to overcome the possibility cracking due to thermal shock. We recommend placing your crucibles on top of a substrate plate of same material to reduce the risk of thermal shock. We recommend a heating rate of 150°C/ hr so that the crucibles can be evenly heated.

Lower the temperature as gradually as possible. The cooling down rate is often half of the heating rate. Avoid contact of heated alumina products with a cold surface.

5. Do Not exceed  the maximum temperature limit for each crucible.

Every crucible has a maximum temperature limit depending on material. Exceeding  the maximum temperature will for will likely damaged your crucible. It is important to carefully control the temperature of your crucible.

Maximum Temperature Limit for Alumina Al2O3   Crucibles is 1750 °C

Avoid contact of heated alumina products with a cold surface.

6. Caution using Eutectic Forming Compound:

Although 99.7 % Al2O3   does not react with most acids, chemicals and reagents, it does form low-temperature eutectic with compounds of Bismuth, Lead, Silicon, Tin, Antimony and rare earth. So take care not to use alumina crucible for heat treatment of one eutectic forming compound with another eutectic forming compound.

7. Ensuring  the right crucible for your requirement.

Ensuring you choose the right crucible for your application can maximise its life.  We have range of shape (Cylindrical, Conical, Low Form, High form) and sizes for crucibles. Note that each are for different use. If you have any doubt do reach out to us at sales@antsceramics.com 

We hope you get the most out of these Alumina Crucible Care Guide Points.

 

 

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