Furnace Temperature Tester: Principle, Application and Maintenance Guide

Furnace Temperature Tester: Principle, Application and Maintenance Guide

I. Overview of Furnace Temperature Tester
The furnace temperature tester (also known as the furnace temperature tracker or temperature curve tester) is a precision instrument used to measure and analyze the temperature distribution of industrial furnaces, reflow soldering furnaces, wave soldering furnaces, heat treatment furnaces and other equipment. It helps optimize process parameters and ensure product quality by recording the temperature changes at different positions inside the furnace.

1. Main application fields
Electronic manufacturing: Temperature curve testing for reflow soldering, wave soldering, and curing ovens

Automotive industry: Monitoring of coating drying furnaces and heat treatment furnaces

Food processing: Verification of baking and sterilization process temperatures

Aerospace: Temperature monitoring of composite material curing furnaces

2. Core components of the furnace temperature tester
Thermocouple sensors (K-type, T-type, etc.)

Data logger (high-precision acquisition module)

Heat insulation protective box (high-temperature resistant shell)

Analysis software (for curve plotting and data analysis)

Ii. Working Principle of the Furnace Temperature Tester
Thermocouple temperature measurement: Thermocouples convert temperature signals into electrical signals based on the Seebeck effect.

Data acquisition: The recorder collects temperature data at a high frequency (such as 1-10Hz) and stores it.

Heat insulation protection: The tester's casing must be able to withstand high temperatures (typically above 300°C) to ensure that the internal electronic components are not damaged.

Data analysis: Import data through the supporting software, generate temperature curves, and compare them with the standard process requirements.

Iii. How to Use the Furnace Temperature Tester
Preparation before the test
Select the appropriate type of thermocouple (Type K is the most commonly used)

Make sure the thermocouple is firmly fixed to avoid loosening and affecting the accuracy of the data

Set the sampling frequency (usually 1-10Hz, depending on the process requirements)

Check the battery power to avoid power outages during the test

2. Testing process
Arrange the thermocouples at key temperature measurement points (such as different positions on the PCB board and in the furnace cavity).

Start the recorder and place it in the furnace to pass through the heating zone together with the product.

After the test is completed, take it out and export the data to the analysis software.

3. Data Analysis
Temperature curve: Observe the temperature changes during the heating, constant temperature, and cooling stages

Key parameters: peak temperature, heating slope, reflux time, temperature uniformity

Process optimization: Adjust the furnace temperature setting to ensure compliance with product requirements (such as IPC standards)

Iv. Maintenance and Care of the Furnace Temperature Tester
1. Daily maintenance
Clean the thermocouple: Remove any residual flux or contaminants after the test

Check the heat insulation box: Make sure there is no damage to avoid high temperature damaging the recorder

Calibrate thermocouples: Regularly calibrate with a standard temperature source to ensure accuracy

2. Common Faults and Their Handling
Possible causes and solutions for fault phenomena
Abnormal data fluctuations and poor contact of the thermocouple. Re-fix or replace the thermocouple
The recorder cannot be turned on. The battery is exhausted. Charge or replace the battery
The software fails to read data. The interface is damaged or the software malfunctions. Check the USB connection or reinstall the software
If the temperature deviation is large and the thermocouple ages, replace the thermocouple and recalibrate it
3. Long-term storage suggestions
Store in a dry environment free of corrosive gases

Regular charging (Lithium batteries should be kept at 50% charge if not used for a long time)

Avoid severe vibration or high-temperature environments

V. How to Choose the Right Furnace Temperature Tester
Temperature range: Select based on process requirements (for example, reflow soldering requires a temperature above 300°C).

Number of channels: Select based on the requirements of the temperature measurement points (commonly 6 to 12 channels).

Sampling rate: High-frequency sampling (above 10Hz) is suitable for rapid temperature change processes.

Software functions: Whether it supports automatic analysis, report export, and multi-device management.

Brand and after-sales service: Choose reliable brands (such as KIC, DATAPAQ, Agilent, etc.).

Vi. Summary
The furnace temperature tester is a key tool for optimizing the production process and ensuring product quality. Correct use and regular maintenance can ensure long-term stable operation. Enterprises should select appropriate equipment based on their own needs and establish standardized testing procedures to enhance production yield and efficiency.

For a more detailed furnace temperature test plan, you can consult a professional supplier or equipment manufacturer.