5. Evolution of electric resistance ovens

Resistance furnaces, which have been in use for a very long time, continue to undergo numerous improvements: use of new materials for the manufacture of resistors, improvement of existing materials, advanced mechanization, finer regulation... However, there are three particularly important developments:

• the development of high-power density, high-temperature resistance furnaces, these two characteristics being partially linked;

• the development of furnaces with low thermal inertia;

• the development of vacuum furnaces.