25kg Horizontal Vacuum Induction Melting Furnace

Product Overview

This horizontal vacuum induction melting furnace is a high-performance laboratory system designed for precision alloy processing and research. The unit combines a 25 kg batch capacity with an advanced vacuum environment, achieving ultimate pressures as low as 6.67×10⁻³ Pa, to support clean melting of reactive and high-purity metals. Its induction heating technology delivers rapid, efficient energy transfer, ensuring uniform melt temperature and composition.

Engineered for versatility, the equipment handles a wide range of ferrous and non-ferrous materials, including stainless steels, nickel-based superalloys, cobalt alloys, and rare earth intermetallics such as neodymium-iron-boron. The horizontal split-chamber design simplifies loading and crucible access, while the integrated secondary charging system allows controlled addition of alloying elements without breaking atmosphere, a critical capability for compositional accuracy in research and pilot production.

Built to meet the rigorous demands of materials science and industrial R&D, this system emphasizes reliability and repeatability. Every component, from the induction coil to the vacuum pumping unit, is selected for robust performance under high-temperature, high-vacuum cycling. The PLC-based control with touchscreen interface provides intuitive operation, recipe storage, and data logging, enabling consistent outcomes even across multiple operators. Safety is integral to the design, with automatic interlocks preventing operation without cooling water flow or proper vacuum closure. The control system manages power ramp limits and emergency shutdown protocols, protecting both the operator and the investment. Together with optional functionalities like melt sampling and stirring, the system provides a comprehensive solution for advanced metallurgical processing.

Key Features

• High-Capacity Induction Melting: The 25 kg crucible, rated for standard steel density (7.8 g/cm³), accommodates substantial batch sizes, reducing the number of runs needed for statistically meaningful sample sets or small-scale production. The induction coil is specifically designed for this capacity, ensuring efficient energy coupling and fast melt times.
• Ultimate Vacuum Performance: A vacuum system consisting of a rotary vane pump, roots booster, and oil diffusion pump (or equivalent) delivers a base pressure of 6.67×10⁻³ Pa, creating a near-contamination-free environment. This level of vacuum minimizes the presence of oxygen, nitrogen, and hydrogen, essential for melting superalloys and reactive metals.
• Precision Temperature Control and Monitoring: The furnace reaches a maximum operating temperature of 1800°C, monitored by an infrared temperature sensor that provides rapid, accurate readings without direct contact. Manual power regulation via the induction generator, combined with a programmable temperature controller, allows operators to execute complex heating profiles for diverse alloy systems, from simple homogenization to multi-step melt schedules.
• Protective Atmosphere Compatibility: Beyond vacuum operation, the system can be backfilled with inert gases such as argon or nitrogen up to 0.05 MPa. This dual-mode (vacuum/inert gas) capability is vital for processing materials that are sensitive to evaporation or require a protective gas blanket during casting.
• PLC and Touchscreen Automation: The integrated PLC system with a user-friendly touchscreen provides comprehensive control over vacuum sequences, power output, temperature ramps, and safety interlocks. Pre-programmed recipes and real-time data logging enhance process repeatability and traceability, aligning with Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) requirements.
• Secondary Alloying Addition System: A dedicated secondary feeder enables the introduction of micro-alloying elements (e.g., trace Ti, Al, B) during the melt through a vacuum lock, ensuring precise compositional adjustments without disrupting the vacuum or atmosphere. This is particularly beneficial for developing precipitation-hardening alloys or controlling inclusion morphology.
• Horizontal Split-Chamber Construction: The horizontally split furnace body simplifies loading of the crucible and charge, facilitates inspection and cleaning of the interior, and eases maintenance of the induction coil and refractory lining. The robust swing-open design ensures quick turnaround between melts.
• Comprehensive Safety Interlocks: The system includes mandatory checks for cooling water flow, vacuum chamber closure, and over-temperature conditions, with automatic power cut-off safeguards to protect personnel and equipment.
• Efficient Cooling System: A closed-loop water cooling circuit with flow monitoring ensures stable thermal management of the induction coil and vacuum chamber, preventing overheating during extended high-power operations.
• Expandable Functionality: To meet specialized application needs, the system supports optional add-ons such as a vacuum sampling device for extracting melt samples mid-process, and a mechanical stirring unit for enhanced melt homogenization. These can be integrated seamlessly into the existing PLC control architecture.

Applications

Technical Specifications

Why Choose This Product

• Industry-Leading Vacuum Integrity: Our proprietary sealing technology and precision-machined flanges ensure minimal leak-up rate and consistent high vacuum, even during prolonged high-temperature runs. This reliability reduces unexpected downtime and ensures every melt meets purity targets.
• Engineered for Heavy-Duty Use: From the water-cooled induction coil to the reinforced chamber structure, this furnace is built to withstand continuous operation in demanding research and pilot production environments, delivering stable performance over years of service.
• Comprehensive Control and Connectivity: The PLC automation with touchscreen enables easy training and operation, while logged process data (temperature, vacuum, power) supports quality documentation and troubleshooting. Optional connectivity for remote monitoring enhances productivity.
• Flexible and Future-Proof Design: With standard secondary charging and optional sampling/stirring, plus the ability to swap crucible materials, this system adapts to evolving research directions without the need for major reinvestment.
• Global Support and Customization: Backed by a team of experienced engineers, we offer installation, training, and ongoing support tailored to your specific processes. Customizations—from specialized crucibles to enhanced vacuum systems—are available to meet unique application requirements. Contact us today to explore how this system can advance your material development goals.