VACUUM INDUCTION MELTING

Vacuum induction melting was originally developed for processing of specialized and exotic alloys and is consequently becoming more commonplace as these advanced materials are increasingly employed. While it was developed for materials such as super alloys, it can also be used for stainless steels and other metals.
 
As the name suggests, the process involves melting of a metal under vacuum conditions. Electromagnetic induction is used as the energy source for melting the metal. Induction melting works by inducing electrical eddy currents in the metal. The source is the induction coil which carries an alternating current. The eddy currents heat and eventually melt the charge.

The furnace consists of an air-tight water-cooled steel jacket, capable of withstanding the required vacuum for processing. The Metal is melted in a crucible housed in a water-cooled induction coil and the furnace is typically lined with suitable refractories. The molten metal may be poured/cast either under vacuum or inert gas environments.