An electric arc furnace provides a number of advantages over other types of furnaces, including very good control over the composition of the melt and temperature. An electric arc melting furnace works by using an electric arc to heat charged material. This makes arc heating furnaces particularly versatile.

Before you go looking for a metal melting furnace, take a moment to answer the following questions:

1. Will a general piece of arc melting equipment meet my company's needs?

2. Would it be better to purchase a custom arc melt furnace?

3. Does my company have the budget for a new arc melting furnace, or would it be better to buy used equipment?

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Purchase an electric arc melting furnace

A metal melting furnace can do so much. It can melt, refine, heat or hold most types and sizes of metal. Additionally, arc melting furnace manufacturers sell a variety of products that make this type of furnace even more versatile.

I recommend: Check out the line of electric arc heating furnaces sold by the Whiting Corporation. The company's Hydro-Arc Furnaces can give you an advantage over a regular arc melt furnace. Thermal Technology makes a vacuum arc melting furnace that features a low initial cost, instant high temperature and extremely pure melts.

Get a custom-built electric arc furnace

If you have needs that go beyond the specifications of typical arc melting furnaces, get in touch with a manufacturer and ask about customizing. Arc melting furnace manufacturers are often eager to customize a furnace to meet your exact needs.

I recommend: The Rose Corporation is a custom builder of electric arc furnaces. The company can build furnaces up to eight feet in size. Centoor Vacuum Industries can custom make several types of single and multiple arc furnaces. Just give one of its reps a call to begin the custom fabrication process.

Find a used metal melting furnace

If your company does not have the budget to buy a new vacuum arc melting furnace, you should consider purchasing a used furnace. Reconditioned furnaces can serve your needs for years to come, at a fraction of the price of a new furnace. Just remember to have someone make a complete examination of the furnace before you purchase it.

I recommend: The Surplus Record Machinery & Equipment Directory is a good source for used electric arc furnaces. The company's website lets you request a quote directly from the seller. Capovani Brothers sells used equipment for industry. Its furnaces are only sold in good working condition, with their controls.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Before you purchase any new or used arc melting furnaces, be sure to ask the supplier about a warranty. You don't want to get stuck having to pay for repairs on a piece of equipment you just bought.