In any foundry, the precious metal melting is the most important part of the industry. Without the metal turning into a liquid, there is no way you can shape it into what you want it to become. Of course, to reach the Melting points of most metals, you need high levels of heat. That is why there are different options of Furnaces to choose from. Every furnace is trying to save energy by using little fuel and generating little heat.
Open Hearth furnace
This type of furnace is best for smaller quantities of metals. The metal types that this furnace will melt are the ones that do not contain iron. The source of heat for this furnace is either natural gases or oil. If it is oil, it must have undergone the atomization process. This type of furnace can also recycle heat and use it for another melting procedure.
Induction Furnaces
An induction furnace relies on Induction technology to work. The Induction technology never does it alone, it also uses the help of alternating currents to reach the heat level that will melt the metal.
This furnace type is one of the most commonly used by many foundries because of some qualities. These qualities include;
- Easy to use and understand
- It saves a lot of energy
- It is a furnace that has high quality and durability
- Melting flexibility. You can melt little quantities of metals and the larger ones without any problem.
It will need an inductor for the heat transfer. Different types and shapes of inductors are utilized, depending on the type and purpose of the furnace.
Cupola Furnaces
The Cupola furnace is one of the earliest furnace types used by foundries, and it is still relevant today. This furnace usually has a cylindrical shape and is always very high.
The inner parts of the furnace have a combination of bricks, blocks, and clays. The purpose of this combination on the inside is to protect it from any high heat.
The downside of a cupola furnace is the amount of heat it consumes. Before you can melt the metal in this furnace, you will need other materials. These materials include limestone, coke, and alloys of iron. That way, there will be high reactions and heat levels wasted.
Crucible Furnaces
A Crucible furnace works with a material that is already created to take a lot of heat. A good example of these materials is a ceramic material.
The idea of this furnace is to have the material at the top of the melting source for the metal. The shape and size of the material used for this furnace can vary greatly. It all depends on the expected results.
Conclusion
Cost implications, type of metal, preferences, and many other reasons are the factors that affect what type of furnace you will choose. Regardless, one of the most important things to consider is the emission of carbon dioxide into the environment. There are different types of Furnaces used for metal Melting. Each of these furnaces has their specific features, dangers, advantages, and of course, disadvantages. You can also do some further research to be sure of the type of furnace to use with the most reduced effect on the environment
