Melting With Induction Heating

Melting metals with solid state RF induction heating is usually accomplished by heating the metal in a crucible made from a non-conductive refractory material. The charge of metal within the crucible is melted down to liquid form.

This process is commonly used to produce high quality steels and nonferrous alloys for casting operations. The liquified metal is poured into a cavity having the desired shape. The metal solidifies with a minimum of shrinkage, after which the mold is removed to reveal a finished, machinable product

Modern induction heating provides reliable, repeatable, non-contact and energy-efficient heat in a minimal amount of time. Induction produces circular eddy currents within the molten mass, creating a stirring action which results in a very uniform product. Induction heating provides fast, controllable temperature ramp, allowing for consistent quality results. Both ferrous and non-ferrous alloys can be melted in induction furnaces. The flexibility and cleanliness of induction melting cannot be duplicated by conventional steel mill and foundry methods.

Typical induction furnaces for melting range from 1 to 20kW, depending on the metal and application requirements

Reports from the field...

"When I originally quoted the package I promised them that with this new equipment they would see a maximum of 15 minute melt rate. During my visit the customer expressed that they we extremely satisfied with the new equipment and so off to the melt shop we went to time the melt rate and see the performance of our equipment. Everyone on the team was thrilled to see that they were getting a 7 minute melt rate with 12 to 15 pounds of material. Up until now they have been using (a competitor's) 50kW, 3000 Hz power supply with a 30lb furnace and achieving only a 35 minute melt rate."