BCS

Foundry Digital Pyrometer

& Probes

Pyrometer Description:

The BCS #7410 Digital Meter is a good quality & low cost temperature measurement instrument (Pyrometer). The maximum temperature display with this meter is 2372°F, so it is useful for alloys such as lead, zinc, zamack, aluminum, brass, bronze and copper. This meter uses Type-K thermocouples.

The meter actually has two inputs. This isn't particularily useful in a foundry, but can be used to measure the difference in temperatures in other applications. For foundry use you will only need to use one input.

This meter is just what you need for metal melting or heat treating. Stop guessing at the temperature of the melt, and gain control over your pouring temperature! Looks can be deceiving for molten metal temperatures. Often the temperature is much lower or higher than optimum. Once you know what the temperature of your melt is, you will wonder how you ever managed to pour with out knowing! Professionals keep a log of every pour, including the temperature, the alloy, the details of the part, and the results obtained. With this information you will be able to confidently pour parts with better results.

The #7410 meter reads in °F or °C. There is a "MAX, MIN, AVG" button that enables the reading to be held after removing the probe from the source of the heat. The unit also comes with two small 6" general purpose hand held probes (not shown). These probes are for low temperature use only, and not suitable for molten metal measurements. The meter uses a SMP style connector. Powered by a 9V battery, included. (These batteries tend to be of rather poor quality, and may need to be replaced soon).

Probes Description:

BCS offers 2 styles of Thermocouple Probes, Immersion Probes and Chamber Probes. Immersion Probes are for measuring the temperature of molten metal. Chamber Probes are used for measuring the internal chamber temperature of a furnace or heat treat oven.

Immersion Probes:

The #7402 Probe is an Immersion Type K Themocouple Probe, 18" long overall. It's maximum rated temperature is 2440°F. It has a molded handle and coiled extension cable. It is bent at about a 120 degree angle, the measuring tip end being about 13" long. The coiled cord comfortably extends to about 32". The thermocouple tip is ungrounded. The probe comes with a #7413 Sheath.

The #7404 Probe is an Immersion Type K Themocouple Probe, same as the #7402, but is 36" long overall. It's bent at about a 90° angle, with the measuring tip end being about 15" long. The probe comes with a #7413 Sheath.

Immersion probes will settle to the melt temperature in about 30 seconds. After removing the probe I use a LARGE bundle of very wet newspaper to wipe the probe clean of molten metal. This prevents blobs from building up. Be sure to use gloves and protective apparel whenever you use this device. I have been told that a coating of ITC-213 will also help protect the probe from metal accumulation.

I typically just put the probe thru the furnace vent hole and into the crucible, monitoring the temperature as the metal melts, and leave it there until I'm ready to pour.

Watching the temperature "step up" is a good way to learn about the melting process of metals. The temperature of the solid metal will steadily rise until the melting point is reached. (This point is called the "Liquidus Point"). At this time the temperature stays mostly steady as all the solid material melts. Once the last of the solids have melted, the temperature resumes it's upward climb. The number of degrees that the metal is allowed to rise after melting is known as the "Super-Heat".

It's best to super-heat the melt just enough to allow full filling of the mold. Too much super-heat can degrade the alloy by allowing time for some elements (tin, lead, zinc, etc.) to boil off. Too little super-heat and your mold might not fully fill before the metal solidifies. It's important to keep a log of how much super-heat is used for each part. Refering to your notes in the future will help to avoid problems when pouring the part again.

Chamber Probes:

Chamber probes come in 12" (#7301) or 18" (#7302) lengths. Their maximum rated temperature is 2440°F. They do not have handles or cords, and must be used with an extension cable (#7422) to connect the probe to the meter. They do not have sheaths because they are ment to measure the chamber temperature and do not contact molten metal. (You can add a sheath if you like).

These probes will settle to the chamber temperature in 3 - 5 seconds.

WARNING: Always be careful not to contact electric heating elements with any probe as an electric shock can occur. Use heavy gloves to prevent burns or electrical shock. The probe tip can stay very hot for many minutes after use. Be sure to avoid contact with the probe, and place it on a temperature safe surface.

Probe Sheath:

Protect your Immersion Probe from the effects of molten metal and fluxes. Probes can be damaged after only a few uses in some melting conditions. The sheaths are made of 304 stainless steel and slip over the probe. It is held in place with a setscrew.

Both the 18" and 36" Immersion Probes are now shipped with a sheath at no extra charge. It just doesn't make sense not to have one.

Ordering Info:

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(In the lower 48 states)

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Revised: 9-6-11