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--- equipment:metalworking_room:paragonkiln [2026/05/27 18:05] – created jamesball
+++ equipment:metalworking_room:paragonkiln [2026/05/27 18:27] (current) – jamesball
@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
-===== Clarke SBR760B 3 in 1 Sheet Metal Machine =====
+===== Paragon kiln =====
-{{:equipment:images:metalbreak.jpg?400|}}
+{{:equipment:images:paragonkiln.jpg?400|}}
 ==== Overview ====
-The Clarke SBR760B is a versatile bench-mounted machine located in the Metalworking Room. It combines three essential sheet metal functions—Shearing, Bending (Braking), and Rolling—into a single compact unit. It is ideal for prototyping and small-scale fabrication using mild steel, aluminum, and brass.
+The Paragon SC3 is a compact, high-speed digital electric kiln located in the metalworking room. It is specifically designed for silver clay, glass fusing, enameling, and heat-treating small metal components. Its ceramic fiber firing chamber is lightweight and heats up rapidly, making it ideal for projects requiring precise temperature control and fast cycle times.
 **Machine Specifications**
-  * Maximum Working Width: 760 mm (30")
+  * Chamber Dimensions: 203 mm x 197 mm x 203 mm (W x D x H)
-  * Maximum Thickness (Mild Steel): 1.0 mm (20 Gauge)
+  * Max Temperature: 1,093°C (2000°F)
-  * Maximum Thickness (Aluminum/Copper): 1.2 mm
+  * Rapid Heating: The ceramic fiber insulation allows the kiln to reach 500°C in under 10 minutes.
-  * Minimum Rolling Diameter: 38 mm
+  * Digital Programming: Stores up to 4 custom programs with up to 8 segments each (Rate, Temperature, and Hold).
-  * Shear Bed Size: 760 mm x 400 mm
+  * Safety Switch: Automatically cuts power to the heating elements when the door is opened.
-  * Brake Fingers: Segmented (Removable for box/pan folding)
-[[https://www.clarkeinternational.com/p/clarke-sbr760b-3-in-1-sheet-metal-machine-760m/|Link to product page]]
+[[https://paragonkilns.com/products/sc3-jewelry-kiln?variant=45933241794788|Link to product page]]
-===== Operating Instructions =====
+==== Operating Instructions ====
-**Shearing (Cutting)**
+**Before Starting **
-  - Clear the Bed: Ensure no offcuts are near the blade.
+  - Inspection: Check the fiber walls for cracks or loose elements. Ensure the floor is protected by a kiln shelf or kiln wash.
-  - Position Material: Place the sheet on the table and align it with the cutting edge or the back gauge.
+  - Clearance: Maintain at least 300mm of clearance around the kiln. Ensure no flammable materials are on top of the unit.
-  - Secure the Work: Use the built-in hold-down clamp to prevent the metal from tipping or sliding during the cut.
+  - Venting: If firing silver clay or glass with glues, ensure the top vent plug is removed for the first phase of firing.
-  - The Cut: Pull the handles forward in a smooth, continuous motion. Do not "bounce" the handles.
-**Bending (Press Brake)**
+** Programming & Operation **
-  - Select Fingers: For box making, remove the segmented fingers that fall outside your bend line.
+  - Power Up: Turn on the main switch. The controller will display the current room temperature.
-  - Mark Your Line: Scribe the bend line clearly on your workpiece.
+  - Select Program: Use the digital controller to select a "User" program or a "Ramp-Hold" sequence.
-  - Align: Slide the metal under the fingers and align the scribe mark with the tip of the brake fingers.
+  - Load Work: Use tongs to place work on the kiln shelf. **Do not place work directly on the fiber floor.**
-  - Bend: Raise the handles to the desired angle. Account for "spring-back" by bending slightly past the target angle.
+  - Start Firing: Press 'Start'. Do not leave the kiln unattended during the initial ramp-up.
+  - Monitoring: Use the viewing window to check for "slumping" in glass or "glowing" in metal. Avoid opening the door unless necessary.
-**Rolling (Slip Roll)**
+** Shut Down **
-  - Adjust Rollers: Use the side adjustment screws to set the gap between the primary rollers based on material thickness.
+  - Cooling: Allow the kiln to cool naturally to at least 150°C before removing work. Opening the door too early can damage the heating elements and your project.
-  - Set Radius: Adjust the rear (forming) roller to determine the tightness of the curve.
+  - Power Off: Once cooled, turn off the controller and the main power isolation switch.
-  - Feed: Insert the leading edge of the metal and rotate the handles.
+  - Unload: Use heat-resistant gloves to remove the kiln shelf and place it on a heat-proof surface (e.g., a firebrick).
-  - Incremental Passes: For tight cylinders, perform multiple passes, tightening the rear roller slightly each time rather than forcing it in one go.
 ----
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 :!: Risk Score **Amber**
-:!: Risk Assessment: {{ :equipment:risk_assessments:nmcc_-_risk_assessment_-_metal_brake_-_20.05.2025.docx |link}}
+:!: Risk Assessment: {{ :equipment:risk_assessments:nmcc_-_risk_assessment_-_glass_kiln_-_2025.docx |Link}}
 :!: Do I need an induction to use this machine? **Yes**
@@ Line 51: / Line 49: @@
 ^ PPE      ^ Required / Suggested / Banned      ^
-|Eye protection|Required|
+|Eye protection|N/A|
 |Hearing protection|N/A|
-|Gloves|Required|
+|Gloves|Required - High-heat Zetex or Kevlar gloves must be used when handling hot tongs or shelves.|
 === Specific Hazards ===
-  * **Pinch Points:** The rollers, brake fingers, and shear blade create severe crush and pinch hazards. Keep fingers at least 5cm away from the working area.
+  * **Extreme Heat:** The internal chamber reaches temperatures exceeding 1000°C. Surface temperatures of the outer case can also become very hot.
-  * **Sharp Edges:** Freshly sheared metal is extremely sharp. Always deburr edges after cutting.
+  * **Thermal Shock:** Opening the door at high temperatures can cause glass or ceramic work to shatter and fly out.
-  * **Overloading:** Attempting to process material thicker than 1.0mm (mild steel) will damage the blades and rollers. **NEVER** use cheater bars or extensions on the handles.
+  * **Electric Shock:** Do not touch the heating elements (wires) inside the fiber walls with metal tongs while the kiln is powered.
-  * **Stability:** Ensure the workpiece is properly supported, especially when working with full 760mm wide sheets.
+  * **Fumes:** Firing silver clay binders, glazes, or enamels produces fumes. **Always** use the extraction fume hood when using the kiln.
 === Induction Information ===
@@ Line 74: / Line 72: @@
 ^ Date      ^ Member ID      ^ Notes          ^
-| 01/10/2025 | James B | Rollers and blades checked |
+| 01/10/2025 | John O | PAT test completed |
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