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Metal Melting Furnaces Basics

Metal melting is easier and more affordable than you think

By Lori Rogers-Stokes
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

 

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

 

  • 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.

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