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This document provides an operation and maintenance manual for the Argenta APE 800 and APE 800a Burn-out Furnaces, including programming guidelines.
The Argenta APE 800 and APE 800a furnaces are designed for heating and drying trays (metal moulds) used in jewellery casting, specifically with the "stay-in-place wax" method. Their construction and technical parameters allow them to be used with all casting masses available on the market. The furnaces are equipped with a temperature program selector, which enables precise control of the heating process, prioritizing temperature over time. This selector allows for programming two independent programs, each with up to sixteen sections.
The furnace operates as a two-unit system: the furnace itself and a temperature program selector. The furnace unit comprises a steel (or stainless steel, depending on the order) construction, a 40 mm heat insulation layer on each chamber wall, electric and resistance heaters, and a thermocouple placed in the heating chamber. The second unit integrates the temperature program selector with a semiconductor joining element.
A set of heatproof ceramic tiles forms the panelling of the furnace ground, protecting the heatproof fibre from damage.
The furnaces have the following basic technical parameters:
Furnace chamber dimensions:
Outer dimensions:
Integral mass of the furnace:
The temperature program selector (driver) features:
Industrial Safety: The manufacturer emphasizes strict adherence to safety instructions. Only trained staff who have read and understood the manual are permitted to operate the machine. The furnace must operate under a fully operational travelator connected to an unobstructed chimney flue, away from flammable materials. Safety devices must be checked before each use and can only be removed when the main power generator is disconnected. The furnace should be equipped with metal pliers with insulated handles and temperature-resistant protective gloves. The operating room must have a first-aid kit for burns and a fire extinguisher for electrical appliances. All electrical work must be performed by an authorized electrician. Structural changes or modifications to the furnace are not allowed without the manufacturer's written authorization. Only original spare parts should be used.
First Launching: For the first launch, it is advisable to dry the heating chamber. This involves setting a short program (first section) to heat the furnace with the maximum temperature increase up to 700 °C. Once this temperature is reached, the furnace can be turned off. This drying process should be initiated in the furnace's target operating area with the travelator activated. During this initial heating, the insulating mats will change color, indicating proper drying.
Temperature Program Selector (Driver): The driver acts as a temperature adjuster and an electronic clock. Its main feature is controlling temperature increase over a specific time.
Operating the Program Selector: The front board features a top, big display for current temperature (during operation) or section values (during programming), and a bottom, small display for current program and section (during operation) or programmed section position (during programming).
Entering a Programme: For first-time use, a working program suitable for the casting mass and alloy must be entered. The manual provides a step-by-step procedure for entering a demonstration casting program, including setting temperature increases, target temperatures, and holding times for each section.
Launching a Programme:
Stopping a Programme: While a program is running, press the designated key. Continue pressing until the "525" sign appears, then press the confirmation key. The program will stop, and the selector will return to the main box, showing the current furnace temperature. A new launch is only possible when the temperature is below 150°C.
General Maintenance: The company using the machine is responsible for ensuring staff adhere to all instructions and for monitoring compliance. Any disruptions affecting machine safety must be immediately removed, and the machine should not be used until all errors are resolved. The instruction manual should be visible near the furnace. The furnace should be checked daily for any damages.
Warehousing and Transport: Each furnace comes with an Operation and Maintenance Manual, confirming its origin by serial number. During transport or warehousing, the furnace must be wrapped in foil and protected from humidity or damage. For transportation, it should be wrapped in a factory cardboard container for proper protection, and transport on a pallet is advisable.
Warnings:
General