Induction melting of steel - melting time calculation

[James H.]

Hi,

We're trying to size a small induction melting furnace (similar to those
used in the jewelry making industry) for our application and I was wondering
if anyone with some experience in this subject can help answer the following
question:

How long would it take to melt 3.5 lbs of 4140 Steel (2"Dia. x 4"L bar at
1600 deg. C, 7.8 g/cc) with a 10 KW medium frequency (10-30Khz) water-cooled
induction melting machine using the proper crucible (350 cc capacity)? Are
there any other factors missed here that would influence this calculation?

Here's a typical small melting furnace (this one is 9.5 KW):

http://tinyurl.com/8dujn

Thanks in advance,
James

 

[Setanta]

Hi,

We're trying to size a small induction melting furnace (similar to those
used in the jewelry making industry) for our application and I was wondering
if anyone with some experience in this subject can help answer the following
question:

How long would it take to melt 3.5 lbs of 4140 Steel (2"Dia. x 4"L bar at
1600 deg. C, 7.8 g/cc) with a 10 KW medium frequency (10-30Khz) water-cooled
induction melting machine using the proper crucible (350 cc capacity)? Are
there any other factors missed here that would influence this calculation?

Here's a typical small melting furnace (this one is 9.5 KW):

http://tinyurl.com/8dujn

Thanks in advance,
James

It wouldnt take very long at all - The frequency you are using will give a
small skin depth - probably more suitable to case hardening.
The coil design is the crucial element and the amount of turns and volume of
copper. Usually these systems adjust the frequency of the output depending
upon the load (coupling). This can be a drawback depending upon how much
flexibility you want from the machine(frequency control)....power factor
correction capacitors are some help in changing the output frequency......

I can give you some detailed calcs if you require

Setanta

 

[James H.]

I can give you some detailed calcs if you require

That would be much appreciated.

James

 

[Ardent]

X-No-Archive: yes

I can give you some detailed calcs if you require

Please do. I am also equally interested in this subject, trying to
make a tiny furnace to melt about 100-250 gms per shot.

TIA