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Induction melting of steel - melting time calculation

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):

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Thanks in advance, James

Reply to
James H.
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water-cooled

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

Reply to
Setanta

That would be much appreciated.

James

Reply to
James H.

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

Reply to
Ardent

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