Vacuum Arc Melting Furnace with Casting for High-Melting-Point Metals and Amorphous Materials

Product Overview

This vacuum arc melting furnace with integrated casting is designed for high-purity melting of refractory metals and direct casting of bulk amorphous alloys. Its electric arc generates temperatures exceeding 3500°C, enabling rapid and clean melting of challenging materials such as titanium, zirconium, and specialty steels. The system combines a high-vacuum environment with precise electro-mechanical controls to prevent oxidation and ensure consistent melt chemistry.

Designed for academic research and industrial R&D, this equipment supports small-batch production of advanced alloys, sample preparation for material characterization, and development of bulk metallic glasses. The side-opening chamber, multi-station crucible, and electric rotary casting mechanism streamline workflows, making it ideal for laboratories that demand flexibility and repeatable results.

Constructed with robust vacuum-rated components and backed by rigorous testing, this furnace delivers long-term reliability even under continuous high-temperature operation. Its touchscreen PLC interface and automated functions minimize operator intervention, reducing variability and enhancing safety in demanding research environments.

Key Features

• Ultra-High Arc Temperature: The argon plasma arc generates temperatures exceeding 3500°C, sufficient to melt virtually any refractory metal or alloy, including tungsten, molybdenum, and reactive materials like titanium and zirconium. This high energy density allows rapid melting, often completing a charge in under one minute, preserving fine microstructures and reducing energy consumption per batch.
• Multi-Station Crucible with Integrated Stirring: The water-cooled copper hearth features five individually controlled stations: one specialized hemispherical pocket for suction casting and four flat-bottom cavities for general melting and degassing, each with a capacity of 150–200 grams. Magnetic stirring ensures homogeneous mixing of alloying elements, critical for achieving uniform composition in multi-component systems.
• Advanced Vacuum and Atmosphere Control: A two-stage pumping system comprising a mechanical rotary pump and a turbomolecular pump achieves a cold-state ultimate vacuum of ≤5.0×10⁻⁴ Pa. The chamber is then backfilled with high-purity argon for arc ignition, creating an inert environment that prevents oxidation and volatile loss during melting. This configuration is ideal for reactive metals and allows operation under partial pressure for tailored solidification rates.
• Integrated Casting Capabilities: Beyond suction casting for tensile specimens, the furnace incorporates an electric rotary casting station with a custom copper mold. This enables the production of rods, bars, or complex shapes by precisely pouring the melt under vacuum or argon. The rotary mechanism ensures consistent mold filling and minimizes turbulence, which is essential for amorphous alloy processing.
• In-Situ Material Handling: A manual cantilever turning arm and a detachable manipulator assembly allow the operator to flip, transfer, or rearrange solidified buttons without opening the chamber. This feature is crucial when multiple melting–solidification cycles are required to achieve compositional homogeneity or for building layered samples, all while maintaining the protective atmosphere.
• Precision Electrode and Ignition System: The non-consumable tungsten electrode is mounted on a water-cooled torch with electric lift actuation and ball-sealed feedthroughs to preserve vacuum integrity. High-frequency ignition ensures repeatable arc striking without contact, minimizing electrode contamination. The electrode height can be precisely adjusted during melting to control power delivery and melt pool shape.
• Robust Chamber Design with Observability: The vertical cylindrical vacuum chamber, constructed from stainless steel, includes a large side-opening door for ergonomic access and fast sample exchange. A wide-format observation window on the door provides an unobstructed view of the entire crucible array and arc, facilitating process monitoring and training.
• PLC-Based Automation: The system is managed via a touchscreen HMI integrated with a programmable logic controller. This automates vacuum pumping sequences, arc ignition, electrode positioning, and casting operations with programmable recipes. Data logging and safety interlocks further enhance reproducibility and operator safety, making the furnace suitable for regulated R&D environments.

Applications

Technical Specifications

Why Choose This Product

• Proven Performance in Harsh Environments: Every component, from the vacuum seals to the water-cooled electrodes, is sourced from suppliers qualified for industrial semiconductor and aerospace applications, ensuring this furnace maintains stable vacuum and arc performance after thousands of cycles.
• Superior Build Quality for Continuous Use: The thick-walled stainless steel chamber, copper crucibles, and robust gantry frame are designed for thermal cycling and accidental arc strikes, delivering years of trouble-free service in high-throughput laboratories.
• Versatile Customization: Standard units can be adapted with additional crucible geometries, dual electrode options, or specialized casting molds. Our engineering team works closely with customers to integrate this furnace into existing workflows or to create bespoke automated melting stations.
• Unmatched Vacuum Integrity: The combination of elastomer and metal seals with a molecular pump guarantees rapid pump-down and minimal outgassing, essential for processing materials sensitive to oxidizing species. Real-time vacuum gauges and automatic leak testing routines ensure consistent performance.
• Dedicated Post-Purchase Support: We provide on-site installation, comprehensive training, and prompt technical support to minimize downtime. Our global service network and spare parts inventory ensure that your research or production schedule stays on track.

For custom configurations or a detailed quotation, please reach out to our technical sales team who will be pleased to discuss your specific challenges and propose an optimized solution.