November 2001 - Nashua, NH -- Centorr/Vacuum Industries has sold a vacuum hot press to a prestigious Institute of Fine Ceramics for the processing of advanced ceramics.

The hot press can operate in vacuum, partial pressures, as well as positive pressures of inert gas. It is rated for operation to 2300°C and a force of 300 Tons and is designed to press 10" diameter compacts. The unit is outfitted with interchangeable press platens to also allow for diffusion bonding operation.

Temperature control is handled by a Honeywell DCP-550 programmable controller, with both force control and position control using UDC-3300 controllers for independent ramp/soak profiles.

The unique chamber mounted fan cooling system offers quick turnaround of the process cycle with cooling times under 8 hrs with a full load. This easily allows JIFC to process a single pressing every 24 hours.

The Chinese company is a research and development company involved in advanced ceramics research located in the Jiangxi Province of China.

Centorr/Vacuum Industries is a high temperature vacuum / controlled atmosphere furnace manufacturer with an installed base of over 6000 units worldwide. Their furnace offering ranges from large commercial and production units to smaller Lab and R&D furnaces for use at temperatures over 3000°C. They are located in Nashua, NH with a fully staffed Aftermarket Field Service group, and Applied Technology Center offering R&D support and toll production service. For more information please contact Scott K. Robinson at 603-595-7233 x 263.