When you think of a metal melting furnace, you likely picture a huge foundry with giant ovens. But, melting metals can be done on any scale, from industrial to craft, at a construction site or at home in a basement. Metal melting furnaces and metal melting supplies of all types and sizes are available to fit your budget and your needs.

Although you don't need a degree in metallurgy to use metal melting equipment, you do need some guidance. There are different types of furnaces for different metals, and many options for buying. Learn all of the metal melting furnaces basics to help you get started:

1. Understand the process of metal melting

2. Find the right metal melting furnaces for you

3. Consider used melting furnaces for sale

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

Get the right information about metal melting furnaces

Did you know that metal melting furnaces don't use flame? Instead, a high voltage electrical current runs through the metal, transferring heat into the metal to melt it. This is called induction heating. The lack of an open flame is what makes metal melting furnaces safe to use in small spaces, around flammable materials, and in other potentially hazardous areas in a construction site.

I recommend: Learn more about melting metal using induction furnaces at Atlas Foundry Company and Ameritherm. Find books of metal melting furnace information at Castcraft.

Buy the right new metal melting furnaces for your job

There are a wide variety of metal melting furnaces out there, for different metals, different volumes, and different processes. The two basic types of furnace are coreless induction (used for metals with a high melting point) and channel induction (used for metals with a low melting point). Buying a new furnace is an investment, so be sure to shop comparatively.

I recommend: Go to ThomasNet for a listing of furnace suppliers that allows you to choose suppliers and then see them listed side-by-side for comparison. The Industrial Directory's list tells you where to find a supplier in your state.

Find the best used metal melting furnaces for sale

Used metal melting furnaces are a good bet for most small business uses, but not all suppliers of new furnaces provide used furnaces. If you have a supplier you like, you can ask if they deal in second-hand furnaces as well as new. While you're at it, ask a supplier or previous customer for some tips on finding a used metal melting furnace for sale.

I recommend: See MetalWorld for a list of secondhand furnace suppliers. SteelLinks.com has a list of suppliers who offer new and used metal melting furnaces.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Find out whether the used melting furnace you're considering is simply secondhand, or has been rebuilt. If it has been rebuilt, get the specs on what was done and whether the work was certified.

Metal melting furnaces are used in industries ranging from jewelry to steel mining. Furnace systems generally consist of the furnace chamber, a mounting system, an evacuation or vacuum system, a process gas system, the power supply and temperature controllers. The metal melting application determines the type of furnace needed.

Furnaces melt metals with a variety of methods, including induction heating, electricity and gas. Pure metals melt at temperatures higher than soft metals, so you'll need to consider the metal's properties when deciding on a heating method. The furnace acts as a complete system, eliminating the need for numerous metal melting supplies. When purchasing metal melting furnaces, consider the following:

1. Know the highest melting point of the metals you work with.

2. Customize your metal melting furnace by adding options to a standard model or ordering a furnace designed specifically for your business.

3. Add temperature controls that maintain the exact temperature needed for your metal melting application. Exceeding the recommended temperature can deteriorate the element.

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

Order induction metal melting equipment for steel

Induction metal melting furnaces heat metals by using an alternating electromagnetic field. This method of melting metals is commonly found in the mining and jewelry industries. Many induction metal melting furnaces require little operator involvement.

I recommend: Coreless furnaces by Ajax TOCCO Magnethermic are commonly used in steel foundries. The company's Pacer melting systems automatically make necessary adjustments when the furnace is at half, one-third and full capacity. RDO Induction manufactures a series of induction melters capable of melting gold, silver and stainless steel. Thermocouple temperature controls come standard on the company's "S" series of induction melters, and infrared temperature controls are available as an option.

Customize metal melting furnaces for copper-based alloys

Consider ordering a custom-built metal melting furnace to melt copper-based alloys. By purchasing a custom furnace, you can choose individual options and avoid paying for features your business doesn't need. Your metal melting furnace will be designed specifically for copper-based alloys based on your size and process requirements.

I recommend: Choose custom construction using oil, gas, electricity or a combination of the three from Corbett Industries. The company's furnaces incorporate brand-name burners and combustion equipment. Thermcraft offers both standard and custom designs to fit your process requirements.

Buy metal melting furnaces designed for soft metals

Metal melting furnaces for soft metals, such as aluminum and zinc, must distribute heat evenly to preserve the quality and lifetime of the element. When shopping for a furnace for melting metals, particularly soft metals, look for controllers that maintain precise temperatures.

I recommend: Pyradia offers aluminum melting furnaces designed for continuous use with ceramic tubes for better heat distribution. The company's electric furnaces operate silently and produce no combustion fumes. Order a fully tested melting furnace from Centorr Vacuum Industries. A copy of the test results ships with the furnace. The company has both new and used melting furnaces for sale. The Buzzer soft metal melting furnace by Charles A. Hones melts a wide range of soft metals, including lead, zinc, pewter, tin and solder.

Find metal melting furnaces for gold and silver

Pure metals commonly found in jewelry have melting points around 1,000 degrees C. Heavy-duty metal melting furnaces are often required to melt pure gold and silver. A wide range of furnaces capable of melting pure metals are available for specific applications.

I recommend: Order a direct gas-fired, radiant tube or electric heated furnace from Consolidated Engineering Company. The company's furnaces range from one cubic foot to 200 cubic feet with temperatures starting at 1,500 degrees F. Baker B-Series Furnaces are capable of melting gold, silver, copper, aluminum, brass and iron.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Metal melting furnaces with several inches of insulation distribute heat more efficiently.

Metal melting furnaces are an important part of many industries. Small-scale metal melting is used in companies that buy and sell precious metals. But large-scale metal melting is used in industries that create metal tools and die casting for equipment. Because safety and regulatory compliance are an important part of working with metal melting supplies, some training and education is required.

Melting metal on a a large scale requires certification for those working as a technician or maintenance repair technician. Other sources for metal melting furnaces education and training can be found through:

1. Training videos and materials that handle instructional and safety topics.

2. In-house training programs hosted by national experts.

3. Seminars and recertifcation programs for those already working in the industry.

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

Participate in certification programs and learn to use a furnace for melting metals

While the industry does not require a license for working with metal melting furnaces, most employers will look for some type of training that provides proof of extensive technical and safety knowledge. There are two types of certification for this line of work: technician and masters technicians.

I recommend: The North American Die Casting Association (NADCA) provides all the certification programs you might need to work with metal melting furnaces, including maintenance technician certification. The Society of Manufacturing Engineers also provides certification for those who want to work as maintenance technicians on tooling equipment, including metal melting furnaces.

Find metal melting furnaces training through equipment manufacturers

If you want training specifically for different models of metal melting furnaces, the best place to find it is through the manufacturer of metal melting equipment. Most manufacturers offer online training materials. Some manufacturers offer training through seminars or on-site instruction.

I recommend: Tekcast Industries provides comprehensive online and on-site training for its metal melting products. Pillar provides maintenance and operational training through short classes at the company's headquarters.

Train for work with a metal melting furnace through videos and other materials

Safety and knowing how to properly handle materials when transporting them to and from the furnace are an important part of training. For those who have yet to see a metal melting furnace up close, training videos can be an essential learning tool. Training videos cover the skills necessary for each kind of job working with a metal melting furnace.

I recommend: NADCA provides training videos for metal melting and handling that covers safety, types of furnaces, quality of materials, and handling. The American Foundry Society holds online seminars to provide training, continuing education and technology updates for the foundry industry.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Because there are no licensing requirements for the industry, many who want to work with this type of machinery can start out as an apprentice. Check out companies that use metal melting tools for information about metal melting furnaces apprenticeships.

Metal melting furnaces can be very dangerous if operated or maintained improperly. Training is obviously an essential part of any metal melting worker's qualifications, but a refresher course or advanced training can also be needed when you need to ensure safe operations.

You can find metal melting furnace information online to either use in your own in-house training courses or for out-of-shop training. Many metal furnace manufacturers provide either safety materials with their equipment or safety training. When searching for metal melting furnace safety information:

1. Start with manufacturers and suppliers of metal melting equipment.

2. Look for training materials you can use to put an in-house refresher course together.

3. Enroll your employees in an online safety course.

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

Get safety training from metal melting furnace manufacturers

Metal furnace manufacturers or suppliers are a great source for safety information. They are the obvious choice among all safety related sources, because they have designed their equipment to meet all safety requirements and can give you safe operating instructions. Some manufacturers provide in-house training with safety certification for their machinery.

I recommend: Tekcast offers on-site training as well as training materials with all of their metal melting furnaces and products. They will design a specific operating and safety course to fit your requirements. Lindbergh/MPH is a leader in molten metal melting equipment with a dedication to providing service with their machinery. They offer many follow up services with their products, including training information.

Look for information about metal melting furnaces safety online

Find metal melting furnaces safety training materials on websites hosted by the company where you purchased your metal melting supplies and equipment. Look for general metal melting furnace basics, but don't forget abot safety information that is specific to the types of melting furnaces your employees come in contact with. If you can't find specific furnace information, use general safety guidelines combined with resources and operating manuals from the furnace manufacturer.

I recommend: Morgan Molten Metal Systems manufacturers a variety of systems and furnaces for melting metals. They have an extensive library of articles and technical papers that could be used to put together a safety course. See the MTI website for more basics on metal melting furnaces and safety training materials.

Enroll in metal melting furnaces safety courses online

Enroll your employees in metal melting furnaces safety courses online. Whether they are new or just need a safety refresher, an online furnace safety course can be a simple answer to your safety training needs. Look for courses that deal with the specific types of furnaces your employees will be using, or find a course that that can be customized to meet your needs.

I recommend: Get your furnace operators started with an online metal melting training video from the North American Die Casting Association. ToolingU also offers an online course in metal properties that includes a melting safety section.