Metal melting furnaces are used in industries ranging from jewelry to steel mining. Furnace systems generally consist of the furnace chamber, a mounting system, an evacuation or vacuum system, a process gas system, the power supply and temperature controllers. The metal melting application determines the type of furnace needed.
Furnaces melt metals with a variety of methods, including induction heating, electricity and gas. Pure metals melt at temperatures higher than soft metals, so you'll need to consider the metal's properties when deciding on a heating method. The furnace acts as a complete system, eliminating the need for numerous metal melting supplies. When purchasing metal melting furnaces, consider the following:
1. Know the highest melting point of the metals you work with.
2. Customize your metal melting furnace by adding options to a standard model or ordering a furnace designed specifically for your business.
3. Add temperature controls that maintain the exact temperature needed for your metal melting application. Exceeding the recommended temperature can deteriorate the element.
Order induction metal melting equipment for steel
Induction metal melting furnaces heat metals by using an alternating electromagnetic field. This method of melting metals is commonly found in the mining and jewelry industries. Many induction metal melting furnaces require little operator involvement.
I recommend: Coreless furnaces by
Ajax TOCCO Magnethermic are commonly used in steel foundries. The company's Pacer melting systems automatically make necessary adjustments when the furnace is at half, one-third and full capacity.
RDO Induction manufactures a series of induction melters capable of melting gold, silver and stainless steel. Thermocouple temperature controls come standard on the company's "S" series of induction melters, and infrared temperature controls are available as an option.
Customize metal melting furnaces for copper-based alloys
Consider ordering a custom-built metal melting furnace to melt copper-based alloys. By purchasing a custom furnace, you can choose individual options and avoid paying for features your business doesn't need. Your metal melting furnace will be designed specifically for copper-based alloys based on your size and process requirements.
I recommend: Choose custom construction using oil, gas, electricity or a combination of the three from
Corbett Industries. The company's furnaces incorporate brand-name burners and combustion equipment.
Thermcraft offers both standard and custom designs to fit your process requirements.
Buy metal melting furnaces designed for soft metals
Metal melting furnaces for soft metals, such as aluminum and zinc, must distribute heat evenly to preserve the quality and lifetime of the element. When shopping for a furnace for melting metals, particularly soft metals, look for controllers that maintain precise temperatures.
I recommend: Pyradia offers aluminum melting furnaces designed for continuous use with ceramic tubes for better heat distribution. The company's electric furnaces operate silently and produce no combustion fumes. Order a fully tested melting furnace from
Centorr Vacuum Industries. A copy of the test results ships with the furnace. The company has both new and used melting furnaces for sale. The Buzzer soft metal melting furnace by
Charles A. Hones melts a wide range of soft metals, including lead, zinc, pewter, tin and solder.
Find metal melting furnaces for gold and silver
Pure metals commonly found in jewelry have melting points around 1,000 degrees C. Heavy-duty metal melting furnaces are often required to melt pure gold and silver. A wide range of furnaces capable of melting pure metals are available for specific applications.
I recommend: Order a direct gas-fired, radiant tube or electric heated furnace from
Consolidated Engineering Company. The company's furnaces range from one cubic foot to 200 cubic feet with temperatures starting at 1,500 degrees F.
Baker B-Series Furnaces are capable of melting gold, silver, copper, aluminum, brass and iron.