Vacuum induction melting (VIM) of high-temperature alloys is a method of melting and refining high-temperature alloys by placing an induction furnace in a vacuum. This method is widely used to produce highly alloyed high-quality high-temperature alloys. At present, almost all high-temperature alloys use vacuum induction melting as a primary melting method. This article will introduce the characteristics and principles of high-temperature alloy melting in a vacuum induction furnace, the metallurgical chemical reactions of high-temperature alloy melting in a vacuum induction furnace, vacuum induction furnace equipment, smelting processes, and smelting examples of deformed high-temperature alloys and cast high-temperature alloys.
The vacuum induction melting method of high-temperature alloys is a method of melting and refining by placing an induction furnace in a vacuum. Compared with atmospheric pressure smelting, the vacuum induction melting method can improve the quality of high-temperature alloys, improve thermal processing performance, further increase alloying elements, and increase the use temperature of deformed high-temperature alloys from about 800°C to 950°C. The development of vacuum smelting technology also allows the use temperature of cast high-temperature alloys to be approximately 30°C higher than that of deformed alloys with the same composition. Since casting eliminates the difficulty of hot processing, casting high-temperature alloys can further increase the content of strengthening elements, thereby increasing the use temperature by 20°C. Therefore, vacuum smelting plays a very important role in the development of high-temperature alloys.
A vacuum induction furnace is a device that melts metal through electromagnetic induction heating. In a vacuum environment, electromagnetic induction heating can generate eddy currents in metal through induction coils, thereby heating the metal above the melting point. Since there is no oxygen and other gases in vacuum, the metal can be prevented from reacting with gases such as oxygen and nitrogen in the air, thus ensuring the quality and purity of high-temperature alloys.
The metallurgical chemical reactions of high-temperature alloys melted in vacuum induction furnaces are also very important. In a vacuum environment, the chemical composition and thermodynamic properties of high-temperature alloys are different from those under normal pressure, so the chemical reactions during the smelting process must be studied in depth. Through reasonable smelting processes and control parameters, the content and distribution of each element in high-temperature alloys can be controlled to obtain ideal material properties.
Smelting high-temperature alloys in a vacuum induction furnace requires attention to some key process parameters. First of all, the chemical composition of the alloy must be controlled, especially the content of elements with high affinity to oxygen (such as Al, Ti, B, Zr, Mg). Secondly, physical parameters such as the melting point, wettability, and surface tension of the metal also need to be controlled. Finally, the uniformity of temperature and composition of the melt, as well as the purity and fluidity of the molten steel must be ensured.
Melting examples of deformed superalloys and cast superalloys are also worthy of attention. Deformed high-temperature alloys are often used to manufacture high-temperature parts, such as aerospace engines, gas turbines, rocket engines, etc. When smelting and deforming high-temperature alloys, the oxygen content, carbon content, nitrogen content, and impurity element content of the metal must be controlled to ensure the high-temperature strength and corrosion resistance of the material. Cast high-temperature alloys are usually used to manufacture castings, such as turbine blades, guide vanes, turbine disks, turbine drums, etc. When melting and casting high-temperature alloys, the fluidity of the metal, the temperature and speed during the solidification process, the pores and shrinkage cavities of the metal, etc. must be controlled to ensure the accuracy and quality of the castings.
In short, the vacuum induction melting method of high-temperature alloys is an important production process. By controlling the process parameters and chemical reactions during the smelting process, high-quality, high-performance high-temperature alloy materials can be obtained. With the continuous advancement of modern technology, vacuum induction furnaces are also constantly developing and upgrading, providing more advanced equipment and technical support for the production of high-temperature alloys.
Tianjin Anton Metal Manufacture Co., Ltd. is a company specializing in the production of various nickel-based alloys, Hastelloy alloys and high-temperature alloy materials. The company was established in 1989 with a registered capital of 10.0 million, specializing in the production and sales of alloy materials. Anton Metal’s products are widely used in aerospace, chemical industry, electric power, automobile, nuclear energy and other fields, and can also provide customized alloy material solutions according to customer needs. If you need to know the price consultation of alloy materials or provide customized alloy material solutions, please feel free to contact the sales staff.
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Post time: Dec-20-2023
