Details
Melting Furnaces
Melting furnaces and combined melting and holding furnaces prepare metal alloys for die casting, gravity die casting, low-pressure casting, sand casting and other foundry processes. They melt ingots, return material or suitable scrap and provide the quantity of molten metal required for production.
The actual metal demand determines the furnace size
A furnace should not be selected solely according to its maximum temperature or holding capacity. The decisive factor is how much molten metal production actually requires during a shift and when this demand occurs.
Melting and holding are different operating duties
Combined systems frequently perform both tasks. For technical assessment, however, the capacity required for melting and the volume required for providing molten metal should be considered separately.
The solid charge material is heated, melted and brought to the intended processing temperature. Material shape, initial temperature and charging sequence influence the actual energy requirement.
The molten alloy is kept available within the intended temperature window. The metal volume, withdrawal sequence, heat losses and connection to the casting machines are decisive.
The furnace design follows the charge material and operating method
Different designs perform different duties. With used systems, the melting chamber, holding area, charging opening and metal removal arrangement must therefore match the intended production concept.
The heating system and energy supply must match the site
The available energy infrastructure influences more than operating costs. It also determines connected load, exhaust routing, the safety concept, installation location and possible melting capacity.
Which technical data determine suitability?
When assessing a used melting furnace, the actual operating data and complete scope of supply should be documented. The manufacturer and year of manufacture alone are not sufficient for a reliable technical assignment.
Used melting furnaces from various manufacturers
The available equipment may include shaft furnaces, hearth furnaces, crucible furnaces and combined melting and holding furnaces. Availability, year of manufacture, capacity and equipment change with the current machine inventory.
Technical inspection of a used melting furnace
A meaningful condition assessment covers the furnace body, refractory lining, heating equipment, control system, safety equipment and all auxiliary units required for operation.
Dismantling and reassembly are part of furnace planning
Melting furnaces are heavy, thermally stressed systems with project-specific utility connections. Successful implementation therefore begins before dismantling at the previous location.
Additional furnace equipment for foundries and die casting
Melting furnaces are frequently part of a larger metal supply system. Depending on the casting process, dosing, holding, recycling or specialised electrical heating may require additional equipment.
FISS supports the search for a suitable melting or holding furnace and its technical assignment based on the alloy, charge material, melting capacity, holding capacity, heating system, charging concept, metal withdrawal and available energy infrastructure. If no suitable furnace is currently listed, FISS can search its international network specifically for an appropriate solution.
When selling equipment, FISS supports condition assessment, technical documentation, dismantling planning and international marketing of individual melting furnaces and complete foundry systems. In addition to brokerage and international marketing, direct purchase by FISS may also be an option depending on the project.
