Multiple-Chamber Vacuum Furnaces vs. Single-Chamber Vacuum Furnaces: A Review

A review of vacuum processing in multiple-chamber vs. single-chamber vacuum furnaces and the advantages and disadvantages of both design concepts will be presented.  Mathematical models will be shown to illustrate the differences in floor-to-floor time, heating energy required to process and cooling power to quench a normalized load.  Additionally, the presentation will discuss the differences in residual atmosphere for a given vacuum level for the two furnace concepts and how that relates to bright processing and quality brazing results.  Differences in operation and maintenance between the two concepts and the appropriate processes to run in each will also be discussed.