Types of Foundry Furnaces
There are four types of industrial foundry furnaces:
Induction Furnaces
Commonly used in foundries, induction furnaces offer high quality and ease of use.
Induction furnaces can be built to melt iron, steel, aluminum, copper and other metals in either very small quantities (less than a single kilogram) or in large masses up to 100 tons.
When melting steel in an induction foundry furnace, the steel is placed in a crucible surrounded by a copper coil that creates a reversing magnetic field known as eddy currents. The eddies heat and melt the metal inside the crucible. The eddies then self-stir the steel.
Excited molecules in the metal make the induction furnace’s heat, which means there’s no addition of oxygen or other gasses into the furnace.
Crucible Furnaces
A very simple electric foundry furnace, a crucible furnace produces high temperatures.
The crucible is filled with metal and additives and placed into the source of heat. Crucible furnaces range in size from a very small cup to a large kiln-like furnace. Crucible furnaces are often used by jewelry makers and hobbyists.
Cupola Furnaces
Cupola furnaces are long, chimney-like foundry furnaces that are filled with coal-coke and additives. When lit, metal is added directly to the furnace. While some foundries still use cupola furnaces to this day, they are exceedingly less common as today’s induction foundry furnaces offer greater efficiency.
Electric Arc Furnaces
An electric arc furnace uses electrodes to run an electrical current through the metal. Foundries usually use these types of foundry furnaces on large slabs, 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 until it melts. Oxygen can be an additional component of the process.
How Foundry Furnaces Are Used
Primarily used in metalworking, foundry furnaces are used to develop metal castings. A metal casting involves pouring molten metal into a mold that contains a negative impression of the desired shape. Due to their strength and durability, metal castings are perfect for heavy machinery.
A number of industries use metal castings in their manufacturing process and take advantage of the capabilities that foundry furnaces provide. Here are a few examples of industries that rely on an electric foundry furnace to produce desired parts:
- Automotive
- Railroads
- Heavy transportation
- Farming
- Architecture
- Shipyards
Trust Sentro Tech Foundry Furnaces for Your Project
Sentro Tech is a leading manufacturer of custom high-temperature casting and foundry furnaces. Our furnaces allow our customers to alter atmospheric conditions during a single firing cycle. You can customize any model to meet your exact specifications. Reduce costs for laboratory and small-scale production environments with a customized foundry furnace from Sentro Tech.