Metalwerks has three furnaces that are dedicated to research and development melting.
The Vacuum Arc Button Melter uses a tungsten electrode to strike an arc on materials positioned within a water-cooled copper crucible in an inert atmosphere. This furnace allows us to melt alloys of iron, nickel, cobalt, titanium, zirconium, and more, in quantities of 50 to 400 grams. In order to ensure a homogeneous button we repeat the melting cycle multiple times. Additionally, we can formulate to tight compositional tolerances and deliver buttons within short lead times.
The R&D Vacuum Induction Melting (VIM) furnace uses a refractory crucible positioned within an induction coil to melt and cast metal without any interaction with air. The typical melts range from 5 to 20 pounds of iron, nickel, cobalt, or copper-based alloys, but we can evaluate other alloys upon request. For casting geometries we have standard round or slab mold sizes, but we can procure investment castings molds for specific part shapes or geometries.
The R&D Vacuum Arc Remelt (VAR) furnace uses standard VAR technology on a sub scale. This furnace can cast 2.5” or 4.5” diameter ingots at lengths up to 10” with weights from 5 to 40 pounds. We have coupled this furnace with our R&D VIM to simulate VIM/VAR melt processing. We also have smaller crucible sizes for our production VAR that allow us to cast ingots in the 6” or 8” diameter range weighing as little as 500 pounds.
Another great aspect of R&D melting at Metalwerks is that we have the equipment needed to scale production to the next level. Please see our other pages to learn about our Vacuum Induction Melting furnace, which can cast heats of up to 600 pounds, our Vacuum Arc Remelt furnace, which can cast ingots from 6” diameter to 20” diameter with weights as high as 6000 pounds, or our Induction Skull Melter, which can melt Titanium, Zirconium or Nitinol alloys at pour weights of up to 150 pounds.
Metalwerks understands that the metals industry is complex. If you have a question about our capabilities, request for quotation, or other inquiry, we are always available by phone at 724-378-9020. Or send over your request using the request quote or contact links above. A team member will get back to you promptly.