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 RF power supplies for induction melting range from 1 to 10kW, depending on the metal and application requirements.

The link below will take you to the welcome page of our Applications Database. After you register, you'll be able to view and print specific process details for this and many other applications.

Melting Applications Note

The metal charge is placed inside a well-insulated crucible, made from a con-conductive refractory material such as graphite. The insulation helps reduce the amount of heat lost due to radiation. The crucible is placed inside the induction coil and RF power is supplied. The charge can be melted and then maintained in the liquid state, depending on the application requirements.

Metal to be melted (must be conductive)
Induction coil
Crucible (non-conductive)
Insulation around crucible
Heat source: Fast, precise heating works best.

Casting (see above)

To remove low temperature metals used in machining of complex parts, such as aircraft engine turbine blades

To join two metal components, such as lead battery terminals