# Furnace load fixtures and rigs

Graphite supports, bases, trays, and fixtures to hold the load in furnaces and heat-treatment cycles.

Family: Thermal applications

## Description
Load supports and fixtures are graphite parts that hold or position components inside the furnace. The application location may be a vacuum or controlled-atmosphere furnace; the documented application is the support/fixture itself.

## Processes
- Furnace load support
- Heat treatment
- Brazing and annealing

## Challenges
- Deformation of metal fixtures
- Part contamination
- Uneven heat transfer

## Advantages
- Dimensional stability at temperature
- Relatively low thermal mass
- Machining to part geometry

## Limitations
- Oxidation in air at high temperature without protection
- Design must account for shrinkage and cycles
- Part contact may require a low-contamination grade

- [Applications](https://esgraf.com/en/applications)
- [Alternate](https://esgraf.com/aplicaciones/hornos-utillaje-soportes)