Bring The Heat: 4 Different Types Of Foundry Furnaces

Cast metal manufacturers rely on different types of furnace technologies. Although blast furnaces are often associated with metal working, they’re actually used for extracting iron and other metals from ores.

Manufacturing foundries need other furnaces to take metal alloys and additives and make them into certain grades of cast metal. To give you a better idea of all the different types of foundry furnaces out there, here are the most common four furnaces in use at a manufacturing foundry.

Iron casting furnaces are specifically designed for the melting and casting of iron. They can handle the high temperatures required to melt iron and are essential for producing iron castings in foundries. These specialized iron casting furnaces are engineered to withstand the extreme temperatures required for iron melting, ensuring optimal casting results. Foundries heavily rely on iron casting furnaces to transform metal alloys and additives into high-quality iron castings of various shapes and sizes. By harnessing the power of heat, iron casting furnaces facilitate the precise melting and pouring of molten iron into molds, enabling foundries to produce intricate and durable iron components.

  1. Induction furnaces. Induction furnaces are commonly used in foundries because they’re high-quality and simple to operate. The average induction furnace is capable of producing 65 tons of steel at each charge. In steel melting induction furnaces, the steel is charged into a crucible that’s surrounded by an electromagnet made of coiled copper. The coil creates a reversing magnetic field that creates eddies in the melting metal, which self-stirs the steel. The induction furnace’s heat is made by the excited molecules in the metal, which means there’s no addition of oxygen or other gasses into the furnace.
  2. Crucible furnaces. Crucible furnaces are very simple furnaces. They’re often made of refractory materials such as ceramic so they can handle high temperatures. The crucible is placed into the source of heat and filled with metal and additives. They can range in size from a very small cup to a large kiln-like furnace. Crucible furnaces are often used by jewelry makers and hobbyists.
  3. Cupola furnaces. Cupola furnaces are long, chimney-like furnaces that are filled with coal-coke and additives and lit. Metal is then added directly to the furnace. Some foundries still use cupola furnaces, but they’ve largely phased out to make way for induction furnaces because of their improved efficiency.
  4. Electric arc furnaces. Electric arc furnaces use electrodes to run an electrical current through the metal inside the furnace. Foundries usually use these types of furnaces of large slabs and beams and shredded scrap. When the tank of the furnace is filled with metal, electrodes are placed into the metal and an arc of electricity passes between them to melt it. Oxygen might be added to the process.

Where can I find a steel melting induction furnace near me?

Steel is used for many different applications. In fact, up to 16% of the world’s steel is used for mechanical equipment such as robotics or manufacturing while 13% is used in the automotive industry.

If you’re looking for steel melting induction furnaces for your business, AMELT is the place for you. We offer steel melting induction furnaces, replacement parts, and refurbished equipment so you can find what you need in one place. To learn more about our services and parts, contact AMELT today.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *