When it comes to crucibles, they have no equal in the tool world. Crucibles are containers that are used to heat metals into a liquid and then pour the liquid into a mold or for extracting precious metals, etc.
This article will show you all about how a crucible is used and what type you’ll need. We’ll also explore how different types of crucibles are used and their advantages.
How To Identify What Type of Crucible You Need
- Determine the size crucible you’ll need based on the furnace you own
- What is it you want to melt? What type of metal or alloys?
- The crucible need to withstand temperatures needed to melt what you need
- The crucible will need to be flexible enough to take constant heating and cooling
- What powersource will be used on the crucible, such as electricity or fire for example?
- If you are using them, determine the kind of flux or other materials involved
- What about particular gasses? Are you using elements such as helium or oxygen?
- How will you be removing slag or dross?
- What method will be used to empty the crucible? Decide if you’ll be using tongs and what type
Different Types of Crucible and Its Function
1. MF Hardin Series Crucibles
Manufactured by Hardin International and used with MF Series and Hardin Melting Furnaces and Digital Electric Smelting Furnaces.
They are NOT recommended to be used with torch methods or open flame furnaces.
2. Graphite Cups
Excellent when used for metal melting by torch. Normally, graphite cups are a great method for small scale projects.
3. Induction Crucibles
Induction furnaces are one of the newer technologies used for copper and other materials. These particular tools provide a cleaner and faster melt.
4. Graphite Foundry Crucibles
Graphite Crucibles normally deal with metals like gold and silver due to their ability to handle higher heating procedures. They are best used for melting precious or non-precious metals in large batches.
5. Assaying Crucibles
These have fantastic corrosion-resistant properties and are normally used working with gold ore. Black sands can also be melted inside of this tool. This tool is a very cost effective solution for these materials.
6. Ceramic Crucibles
Ceramic crucibles are commonly used in manufacturing, particularly in the areas of metallurgy, analysis and quality control. Earth science and engineering workers use these crucibles.
7. Platinum Crucibles
The platinum crucible is one of the most useful tools for chemists. They are most often used in XRF sample preparation, ash testing, wet chemistry, and more.
8. Kerr Crucibles
Kerr crucibles are used in the prosthetic dentistry industry for the manufacture of cast crowns, gaps, bridges and other components of dentures in dental clinics, laboratories and workshops.
9. R9 Furnace Crucibles
This tool is formed from high-density graphite. They are slightly more durable than standard mini crucibles. They are compatible with the R9 or R9D Melting Furnace as well as the Mini PRO Kiln Propane Melting Furnace.
10. TableTop Furnace Crucibles
Tabletop furnaces are perfect for any hobby shop or small jeweler. These small but powerful units will give you consistent quality results without having to spend a fortune on a full-size unit.
11. Salamander Crucibles
Salamander crucibles work great whether you are using them in fuel or induction furnaces. The crucibles come in different sizes for various projects. They can be used for anything from melting precious metals to iron alloys.
12. General Furnace Crucibles
These are the more traditional type of melting unit commonly used in a foundry. The crucible itself is a high temperature resistant container used to melt metals.
13. Centrifugal Crucibles
This crucible is used with centrifugal spin caster, square boat type used with centrifugal casting machines. They are compatible with some of the Grobet, Lucas, Kerr models and more.
14. Crucible & Tong Sets
These sets are extremely handy, as you always are provided the right size tongs. Tongs allow the user to grasp a variety of items including hot crucibles, flasks and other high temperature items quite easily.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can You Melt Steel in a Crucible?
Yes you can certainly melt steel in a crucible, as long as you use the proper type of crucible for high heat. Fortunately, there are many types of crucible available for this type of application.
What Are Metal Melting Crucibles Made Of?
What Are Metal Melting Crucibles Made Of? Crucibles can be created from many types of heat-resistant materials. Porcelain, ceramics, magnesia, and zirconia are just a few examples of crucible material.
What Is the Best Material for a Crucible?
What Is the Best Material for a Crucible? That would normally depend on what it is you are trying to melt. You’ll need to first figure out what type of material you need to be melted.
Crucibles are literally high temperature-resistant containers, usually porcelain, alumina, or inert metal. All work equally well depending on the application.
The highest temperature crucibles use ceramics such as alumina, zirconia, and especially magnesia.
Conclusion
We hope you enjoyed this article explaining how a crucible is used. Determining what type of metals you’ll be meeting will help you figure out the type and capacity of crucible you’ll need. Whether extracting precious metals or molding a unique piece of art, there’s a crucible for you.