Compact tube furnace for laboratory up to 1100 °C with split-hinge design

The Thermo Scientific Lindberg Blue M Mini-Mite tube furnace is designed for laboratories handling small samples or applications requiring treatment in an inert atmosphere. As a result, this compact model combines Moldatherm ceramic fiber insulation with microprocessor-based self-tuning PID control up to 1100 °C. Specifically, the heated zone measures 12 inch (30.5 cm) with uniformity of ± 1.0 °C over 5.6 cm and ± 3.0 °C over 8.4 cm. Furthermore, the 360° heating element provides precise temperature control across the entire heated length.

Split-hinge design for easy loading

The most practical feature of this Mini-Mite tube furnace is the split-hinge design. Specifically, the furnace opens along a central hinge, allowing you to load or remove a process tube without disassembling the unit. As a result, the time between experiments is significantly reduced, which increases throughput. Moreover, a safety switch automatically disconnects power when the furnace is opened, protecting both the operator and the heating element.

Two controller choices for your process

Specifically, you choose from two PID microprocessor controllers, both with adjustable high-limit OTP:

• TF55030C-1: Single program with 8 segments plus additional dwell timer, delay timer, or soft start timer. Suited for applications with one structured thermal profile.
• TF55030COMC-1: Same controller as TF55030C-1, with added RS-485 communications port for remote monitoring and data logging from a PC.
• TF55035C-1: Digital 5-program with 16 segments per program. As a result, you can store up to five different thermal profiles and switch between processes quickly.
• TF55035COMC-1: Same controller as TF55035C-1, plus RS-485 communications port for remote monitoring.

Notably, each variant simultaneously shows actual temperature and setpoint on an LED display, in either °C or °F.

Laboratory applications

Specifically, the Mini-Mite tube furnace is used for applications requiring small sample volumes or a controlled gas atmosphere. Common applications include:

• Heating of small samples in an inert gas atmosphere
• Gas applications and material experiments
• Pyrolysis and calibration applications
• Materials research at high temperatures up to 1100 °C
• Education and demonstration purposes in academic labs
• Preparatory thermal treatment for analysis

In addition, this model is used in R&D laboratories within pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and materials science, where compact dimensions and reliable temperature control are priorities.

Safety and operation

Moreover, the Mini-Mite tube furnace features multiple safety functions. Specifically, the safety switch disconnects power when the furnace is opened, protecting both the operator and the heating element. Furthermore, self-tuning PID control prevents temperature overshoot during heatup. Notably, adjustable high-limit OTP provides an additional layer of overheating protection. In addition, the long-life Type K thermocouple ensures stable temperature measurement across the entire heated zone.

Standard accessories and process tubes

Each Mini-Mite tube furnace ships with a long-life Type K thermocouple, a 9 ft (3 m) power cord with EU 1-16P plug, and a user manual. As a result, the unit is immediately ready for installation. However, process tubes are not included. Specifically, this tube furnace accepts only process tubes with a 1 inch (25.4 mm) outside diameter, which must be ordered separately from a process tube supplier. Furthermore, several materials are possible, such as alumina, mullite, quartz, and metallic tubes, depending on your application.