Autofire 4000 controller

Standard Features

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.

The Autofire 4000 includes; a wider panel with improved switch board, improved thermocouple connection blocks, Type K, N, S or R thermocouple support, 35 available user programs, 20 step user programs, diagnostics to measure kiln load amperage (requires current transformer hardware), adjustable high temperature deviation alarm, programmable high temp limit, Individual program locks, USB interface, more memory, high capacity relay outputs and a buzzer that can be disabled. 100% compatible with previous Autofire controllers and all the great features of its predecessor the Autofire 3000.

The AutoFire4000 controller is a variable PID temperature controller for any electric kiln application, designed with a long list of standard programming features and configuration options. The Autofire4000 accepts Type K, N, S and R thermocouple inputs for operation up to 3000F. The Autofire4000 can be utilized as a single zone controller or as a multi-zone controller for optimizing temperature uniformity within larger kilns.

Kiln manufacturers and operators prefer the AutoFire4000 because of its versatility and proven reliability. Robust electronics and on-board EMI protection make the controller immune to electrical noise and able to perform in industrial environments.

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 Defined Mode

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.

Auxiliary Vent Fan Control

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.

Technical Specifications

Input Voltage: 24vac center-tap transformer (50/60Hz)
Voltage Tolerance: + 10% to -20%
Operating Current: 200ma
Operating Temperature: 0°C to 70°C (32°F to 158°F)
Programmable Temperature Range: 0°C to 1820°C (32°F to 3308°F)
Output Voltage: 5 Channels @ 12vdc / 1000ma
Display Resolution: 1°C or F
Analog to Digital Resolution: 24 bit
Accuracy: +/- 2°C
Communication Port: USB/Serial