AutoFire - Model 4000 -Controller

Cone-Fire Method: The controller provides quick selection of preset Cone programs from Cone 022 to Cone 12. These programs are designed specifically for ceramic firings that require specific heat-work to properly bend an Orton Pyrometric Cone. Every Cone-fire program allows the operator to set a preliminary Preheat cycle for drying ware, an optional hold time at the final heating temperature for additional heat-work and an optional cooling cycle at the end of the heating cycle. Every Cone-fire program also allows the operator to select an optional firing speed that can shorten or lengthen the firing time up to 40% for large or small kiln loads. Heat-work adjustments are automatically calculated and final firing temperatures are automatically determined by the controller based on actual kiln performance. This ensures the kiln firing will produce the perfect results even as the kiln ages and conditions change.

User Programs: The controller allows the operator to create, program and save 35 separate firing schedules with 20 user defined heating and cooling rates, target temperatures and hold times. This method can be used for Glass fusing or Glass Slumping or any other kiln firing application which requires flexibility.

In addition to controlling the kiln temperature, the controller also allows the operator to program the on/off cycle of the kilns auxiliary vent fan if equipped. The vent fan can be selected on or off for each heating or cooling step of the firing schedule. The Aux outputs can also be used to control safety relays, external alarms or a firing complete notification device.

Delay start: Allows the operator to postpone the start of the firing cycle up to 100 hours.
Power Consumption: Allows the operator to view calculated firing costs and power usage for each firing.
Diagnostics: Provides kiln load Amps with optional hardware.
Heating Rate units: Allows the operator to select the programming units for heating and cooling rates as degrees per hour, degrees per minute or time to temperature.
Programming Back-up: Allows the programmer to correct or make changes while programming without having to start over.
Full On / Full Off: User Program option to heat the kiln as fast as possible or to cool as fast as possible.
Indefinite Hold periods: Programming option to hold the kiln at temperature indefinitely.
Program Skip Step: Allows the operator to move ahead to any step in the firing program.
Program edit: Allows the operator to edit the current program step during the active firing. 
Add-time: Allows the operator to lengthen the current hold period without interrupting the kiln firing.
Thermocouple Offset: Allows the operator to adjust the temperature display accuracy by as much as ±25°C (±45°F) to offset aging thermocouple(s).
Program Review: Allows the operator to Review the entire firing schedule before or during a firing.
Temperature Units: Allows the operator to set the display Temperature units in Fahrenheit (°F) or Centigrade (°C).
Threshold Alarm: Allows the operator to program an alarm that notifies when the kiln has reached a working temperature.
Thermocouple Alarms: Notifies the user of a defective thermocouple or a thermocouple that is connected with reverse.
Cone Table: Provides the operator a look-up table for cone number temperatures.
Status Display: Allows the operator to view the current firing step and the actual heating or cooling rate of the active firing.
Computer Interface: USB interface for remote monitoring and data collection.
Deviation Alarms: Adjustable alarm sensitivity.
Power Fail Recovery: Allows the kiln to resume the firing when power interruptions occur from thunderstorms or accidental shut-down.
Safety Temperature limits: Allows the kiln manufacturer to set a limitation on the top programmable firing temperature.
Program Lock: Allows the operator to prevent changes to individual programs.