Annealing Oven
A front-loading chamber for bringing finished pieces down through the annealing range under control.
Annealing
| Chamber volume | 40 - 300 L |
|---|---|
| Maximum temperature | 700 °C |
| Control accuracy | plus or minus 3 °C |
| Stored programs | 12 |
| Supply | 230 V single phase |
| Insulation | Fibre board, 75 - 100 mm |
Compatible glass types
Soda-lime
Borosilicate
Lead crystal
Compatibility assumes the tool is rated for the working temperature of that glass family. Check the maker's documentation before use.
Overview
An annealing kiln is the compact cousin of the annealing oven, usually top loading and often used for beads and small work. Its small chamber heats and cools quickly, which is convenient for one piece but demands a gentler program than a large oven because the thermal mass is so low. Accuracy matters more here than size.
Safety notes
- A top-loading kiln radiates straight up when open. Open it briefly and step back.
- Never place a kiln on a combustible surface. The base gets hot enough to char wood.
Using it well
Practical guidance
- Small kilns cool faster than their programs suggest. Insulate the lid further for slow cools.
- Load beads in a single layer so air can move around each one.
- Use a mandrel rack so pieces do not touch the chamber floor.
What to look for
- Low thermal mass for fast turnaround
- Top loading with a counterweighted lid
- Compatible with bead mandrels and small sculpture
Reference information only. Specifications are published ranges drawn from manufacturer documentation and normalised for comparison. They vary between makers and between individual units. This page does not sell or endorse any product, and does not guarantee any result. Follow the equipment manufacturer's instructions and take hands-on instruction before operating hot glass equipment.
Related
Tools used alongside the annealing kiln
Kiln Controller
The programmer that executes a ramp-and-hold schedule and holds the furnace to it.
Annealing
Annealing Controller
A multi-segment programmer for executing a full annealing curve from heat to room temperature.
Annealing
See the annealing & finishing workflow
Read the category overview, or jump into the 3D Studio to see these tools applied to a live piece.