In a step towards intelligent material processing, we studied the effect of the temperature distribution in the growth ampoule on the crystallization process. We constructed a mathematical model to calculate the temperature distribution in the sample, using the temperature profile in the furnace. In the experimental part, this profile was accurately imposed by our modified vertical Bridgman furnace with 12 independent zones. This equipment was applied to pure CdTe, which is known to be a difficult material with which to achieve large single crystal growth. After optimization of the temperature profile and the other growth parameters, we grew several large single crystals.