Understanding Annealer
Control & Safety

In this example, the annealer is powered by 3-phase electricity. However, we can configure any annealer
to work with your available power.

As the three wires enter the control panel from the power source, two of the three legs enter a
[A] transformer ($60.00) which converts the power to a single phase 120 volt leg and a neutral leg.
This will supply power to the components that require single phase power without having to run an additional
power cord. The 120 volt line passes through a [B] fuse and an [C] on/off switch. If the switch is turned
to "on", a [D] Programmable Temperature Controller is powered. The controller reads a [E] type-k thermocouple ($42.00) which indicates the temperature inside the annealer. The controller sends a signal to the [F] SCR Silicon Controlled Rectifier ($200-$400) which controls power to the annealer's heating elements until the controller's setpoint (target temperature) is reached. We recommend SCRs because
they have no moving parts. When installed properly, they have a long lifespan, they increase the life of heaters up to 125 times when compared to Mercury relays and electromechanical relays, and they provide a
very constant heat with no over or undershooting.

For safety, all of our annealers are equipped with a [G] limit switch ($55.00) for each door. The switch acts as an interlock, where if an annealer door is opened, it will break the power to the [H] definite purpose contactor ($60-$75) which in turn disconnects the power to the elements. We also offer a
[I] Watlow 147 high temperature limit switch which reads the annealer's temperature from a [J] second
thermocouple. If the temperature exceeds the set limit it will break the power to the contactor. This safety feature assures that the annealer will not overheat even if the temperature controller or power relay fails in the "on" position.