Aluminum or Steel? A Look at Which Induction Furnace Is Suited Best for a Given Metal
Whether you run a casting company, an automotive parts company, or are involved in any other industry that requires casting metal, you probably need an industrial size induction furnace. Now, many people may look at a furnace and believe that it is the same as any other furnace, but they would be wrong. There are two main materials that induction furnaces are made out of: aluminum and steel. These two different types of furnaces are good for different types of metals. Below is a list of some commonly cast metals along with which type of furnace could be best for them:
Gold
One of the more commonly cast metals, gold is used for several main functions. One is jewelry. Regardless of what type of jewelry you are making, you will likely need to do some casting. An aluminum furnace (such as the AMELT Quick Melt line) could be your best option for melting gold, since there are generally lower amounts needed to be cast of gold than of steel or another metal. Aluminum furnaces typically heat up faster than their competitors making them the perfect efficient choice for a gold melting furnace
Silver
Like gold, silver is typically not melted in large quantities, so efficiency is key. This fact makes an aluminum furnace typically the better option for casting silver.
Copper
Finding the right copper melting furnace is key for a successful operation, regardless of what you are using the copper for. A popular type of copper melting furnace is the aluminum option. Since copper is often melted for its value, a smaller capacity is generally preferable, although every situation is different. If you have large quantities of copper that you need to melt, a steel frame type might be your best bet, with its great heat retention qualities.
Steel
With steel being melted in the tons in different industries around the world (International crude steel production reached 1.69 billion tons in 2017, the steel frame type will generally be the best option. The steel frame furnace made by AMELT has a maximum melting capacity of 25 t/h, and will be adequate for the toughest jobs. Like most metals, if you have a small quantity of steel that you need melted, the aluminum frame type may be your best bet for a quick, efficient job. However, if you have a large quantity (This is common for steel needs), the steel frame type induction forge may be best.
Note: For more information about the AMELT furnaces mentioned above, visit: https://amelt.com/melting_holding_type/.
