Aluminum is one of the most heavily used metals in the world today. Once its extraction is complete, it can be used for various applications. What makes it even more valuable is that it is easy to recycle.
If you are interested in melting aluminum, the first thing you should know is that the process requires a furnace that is capable of handling high temperatures.
Using a Induction Furnace
Below is the procedure for the melting aluminum in the Induction furnace
- A furnace operator will place aluminum parts or aluminum scrap as a charge in the induction furnace and start the furnace to begin the melting process. Adding more aluminum charge this process is advisable as molten aluminum transmits the heat better.
- When temperature of the aluminum reaches 1220.66°F it turns to liquid. Any residue from the coating and paint from the cans will float on the surface. This byproduct is called dross and can be skimmed by a steel ladle. This needs to cool before it can be disposed off safely.
- Next, the crucible (furnace) will pour out pure aluminum. Usually, Hydraulic tilting mechanism provided to pour large quantities of liquid metals.
- Finally, with care, the molten aluminum will be poured into mould to cool down and then slide out for use.
Using a Gas/Oil Fired Furnace
Aside from melting through a Induction furnace, there is another way to liquidate aluminum using a gas/oil fired furnace. The following are the steps to melt aluminum by gas/oil fired furnace. This is conventional method and not suitable for large quantity of the aluminum. There are many disadvantage of this method.
- With the help of a crucible, the aluminum is placed securely within itself. Whenever necessary, the aluminum can be cut into smaller pieces to make sure that they fit properly for an effective melting process.
- The crucible is then placed in a furnace using a pair of tongs to maintain safe distance. The furnace needs to be heated using a gas or oil flame to 1220.66°F, which is the temperature aluminum melts at. The metal has to be left alone for some time to melt after reaching the necessary temperature.
- As long as the aluminum is in a liquid state, you can keep adding more pieces to quicken the process.
You may want to ask an aluminum melting furnace provider about which method they use and why they do so. After all, they are the experts; in addition to knowing exactly what your project needs, they can justify their decisions.
