Refractory Dryout

$Refractory Dryout$

Refractory Dryout

By Jeshua glassprinted
September 28, 2015
Initial Construction

Our precious crucible cart has undergone its final transformation into what will likely become the key element of our glass printing machine. Unlike portland, refractory does not use good ol’ H20 for its chemical bound, so for refractory, firing is a key step.

XB7A1583 — Furnace Fractal? After we slowly ramped the temperature of a kitchen oven up to 400F it was time to put it in our furnace to gently ramp up to over 1200F. If the refractory is heated too quickly (first time) you run the risk of steam explosions ruining all your hard work or the refractory not maturing to full strength. Starting flame shown.

Getting warmer. Added some fiber blanket in the back to shield it from direct flame.

XB7A1605 — Warmer!

Hotter — Hotter. Our crucible thermocouple reading was around 800F – we need it up around 1200F soaked all the way through…

There we go. — There we go. Now our refractory is a lovely pumpkin color. We’ll let her bath in it for a while, but reduce BTU input – we don’t need it any hotter. Well that is until she is operating under her own power that is of course.

Desired tempter reached and maintained for a while.

XB7A1635 — Cooked until perfection

XB7A1636 — Resting temp at 572C (1061F). Covered the furnace with extra blankets to let some of that trapped heat soak all the way through and slowly cool overnight.

Next time you see our crucible cart it should be mounted on our machine!

About the Author

Jeshua

Founder of 3DTOPO Inc. Quick learner of compelling subjects.

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