Introducing types of metal melting furnaces

The most common iron and steel melting furnaces used in most factories include bush furnace, cupella furnace, induction furnace and electric furnace. Each of these furnaces has its own unique technology that makes them suitable for different conditions and production capacities.

In addition to the mentioned furnaces that are used to melt metals to make parts, there are other furnaces that are used for extraction Metals are used from their ores. These furnaces include open furnaces, Bessemer furnaces, alkaline oxygen furnaces, and blast furnaces, which are often used for ironmaking and steel production. In the steel production article, learn more about these furnaces and steelmaking methods.

The bush oven

Bulk furnaces are often used to melt non-ferrous alloys that have a low melting point. The mechanism of these furnaces also includes the use of a refractory ceramic pot so that they can withstand high temperatures. This ceramic pot, which is called a crucible, is placed on top of the heat source to melt the metal and additives in it. The size of these plants is different.
This type of melting furnace has an enclosed structure to keep the heat inside. Commonly used fuels for a bush furnace include coal or natural gas. There are also differences in the design and heating system of furnaces. Apart from mobile and fixed bush furnaces, there are also tilting and fixed bush furnaces. Also, a distinction should be made between furnaces resistant to heating and heating with fuel.

The common types of bush furnaces in casting industries are:

Fixed Funny Furnace: The pitty is fixed in this type of furnace and the molten metal is removed using a valve on the floor of the furnace.

Removable Forest Furnace: When the metal inside the plant is completely melted, the pot is raised with the help of cranes inside the production site to reach the molding metal.

Tilted Funny Furnace: The pitty is fixed inside the furnace and the entire furnace system is tilted to remove the molten metal.

Copilla furnace

Cupella furnace has been used for a long time in various casting industries. The distinctive characteristic of this type of furnace is its high height and cylindrical chimneys. Its interior consists of layers of clay and brick to protect the internal parts from extreme heat, wear and oxidation. This furnace is very suitable for producing high tonnage of melt and is often used for melting cast iron.

For the smelting process as well, several layers of ferroalloys, coke and limestone are charged into the furnace before the base metal is added. they become As a result, these materials react due to heat and are suspended on the molten surface as impurities. The function and efficiency of these additives are:

Coke: Used as fuel to melt the material in the furnace.

Scrap and alloy elements: The main charging material that forms metal melt.

Stone: Adding this substance, also called flax, results in the reaction of ashes and other impurities with the slag. The role of this molten slag on the melt metal is to prevent the surface oxidation of the molten metal.

Induction furnace

Induction furnaces provide the necessary heat and temperature for melting metals and alloys through alternating electromagnetic current induction technology. This electromagnetic field causes movement in metal atoms, which ultimately leads to heat production. The source of electromagnetic currents are coils or copper coils that are placed around the part but do not have physical contact with it. These types of furnaces are an ideal option for smelting and casting industries due to the production of high quality melt, easy maintenance and very good energy efficiency.

Electric furnace

Electric arc furnaces are one of the largest melting and casting furnaces that can produce molten metal up to 25 to 45 tons per hour. For this reason, they are used to produce high tonnage in casting. The working principle of electric arc furnaces is very easy. An electric arc that originates from carbon electrodes produces heat by creating an electric current. In practice, electric arc furnaces are mainly used to melt steel scraps to produce new products.