What Causes Crucibles to Crack During Thermal Testing?

Sudden temperature shifts often lead to cracks in heat analysis crucibles. Improper handling or low-quality construction also weakens the material and leads to failure during tests.

Most cracking is caused by thermal shock when a crucible is heated or cooled too quickly. Using materials with low thermal shock resistance or overloading the crucible also leads to breaks. High-purity materials and gradual temperature changes help prevent fractures.

Main Cause	Impact	Prevention	Reference
Thermal Shock	Sudden cracks, sample loss	Use slow ramp rates, preheat instruments	Thermal shock
Poor Material Quality	Structural weakness	Select certified, high-purity crucibles	REDTHERMO Lab Reference Data
Overloading	Bending, bottom cracks	Keep sample weight below spec	Instrument User Manual
Improper Cooling	Warping, breakage	Cool down slowly on a heatproof surface	DSC Testing Protocols

 

How to Prevent Sample Contamination in Heat Analysis Crucibles?

Sample contamination ruins lab results and can cause expensive reruns. Dirty crucibles or leftover residue are common sources of this problem during repeated testing.

Clean crucibles before each use and avoid cross-use between incompatible samples to reduce contamination. Choosing inert materials and using single-use crucibles in sensitive tests protects samples and delivers true results (contamination).

Contamination Source	Effect on Results	Solution	Example
Leftover Residue	False peaks, extra mass	Clean with lab-grade solvents	DSC pan cleaning guide
Material Reactivity	Unexpected reactions	Use platinum or ceramic for reactive samples	Battery slurry testing
Cross-Sample Use	Carryover contamination	Assign dedicated or disposable pans	QC with organics and inorganics
Improper Storage	Mold, dust	Seal in sample-safe containers	Research lab best practices

 

What to Do if Your Crucibles Are Not Compatible with Lab Instruments?

Crucibles that do not fit or seal with the instrument lead to leaks, sample loss, or unreliable results. This often comes from using generic products or ones not designed for the device.

Check instrument model compatibility before ordering. Ask suppliers for a model matching chart or send a sample or drawing for custom production. Only use crucibles with confirmed sizing and material standards for your specific equipment (laboratory instrument).

Compatibility Problem	Common Sign	Action Step	Industry Practice
Incorrect Size	Loose fit, tilting	Verify inner diameter, depth	TA, Mettler, Netzsch series charts
Wrong Lid/Seal	Leaks, evaporation	Order matching seal types	DSC and TGA kits
Material Mismatch	Error codes, sample failure	Confirm instrument specs with supplier	Custom order from REDTHERMO
Unbranded Source	Poor reliability	Choose reputable manufacturer	Quality checks before use

 

How to Extend the Lifespan of Your Heat Analysis Crucibles?

Proper care and routine checks keep crucibles working longer and protect lab investments. Neglected crucibles break quickly and cause more testing errors.

Store crucibles dry and clean, avoid sharp temperature swings, and inspect regularly for cracks or wear. Use detailed tracking to retire worn pieces and switch to higher quality materials for improved durability (service life).

Maintenance Step	How It Helps	Frequency	Lab Example
Regular Cleaning	Prevents buildup, contamination	After every use	Pharmaceutical R&D labs
Slow Heating/Cooling	Reduces thermal stress cracks	Every test run	Material science instrument operators
Proper Storage	Minimizes corrosion, dust	After cleaning	Electronics labs
Lifecycle Tracking	Identifies pieces to retire	Monthly or by batch	Quality assurance routines