Electric heater element support

A vacuum furnace comprising:

• a furnace shell;
• a heating chamber in the furnace shell;
• at least one metal strip heater element in the heating chamber of the furnace;
• means for making electrical contact with each end of the heater element for passing electric current therethrough;
• and
• at least one mechanical support for an intermediate portion of the electric heater element comprising:
• a T-shaped ceramic support for an intermediate portion of the heater element having the leg of the T-shaped ceramic support connected to the heating chamber;
• and
• means for compliantly securing the heater element to the crossbar of the T-shaped ceramic support without holes in the heater element.

A vacuum furnace comprising:

• a furnace shell;
• a heating chamber in the furnace shell;
• at least one metal strip heater element in the heating chamber of the furnace;
• means for making electrical contact with each end of the heater element for passing electric current therethrough;
• and
• at least one mechanical support for an intermediate portion of the electric heater element comprising:
• a ceramic post having a length and an outer end connected to the heating chamber by a thread on the ceramic;
• a metal crossbar on an inner end of the ceramic post for supporting an intermediate portion of the heater element;
• and
• means for compliantly securing the heater element to the metal crossbar without holes in the heater element.

A vacuum furnace comprising:

• a furnace shell;
• a heating chamber in the furnace shell;
• at least one metal strip heater element in the heating chamber of the furnace;
• means for making electrical contact with each end of the heater element for passing electric current therethrough;
• and
• at least one mechanical support for an intermediate portion of the electric heater element comprising:
• a first ceramic post having an outer end connected to the heating chamber by a thread on the ceramic;
• a second ceramic post identical to the first mentioned post and spaced apart therefrom;
• a metal bridge between the first and second ceramic posts forming a U-shaped support;
• and
• means for compliantly securing the heater element to the metal bridge without holes in the heater element.