Development of a low cost portable aluminium melting furnace for laboratory use

Abstract

A lot of research is going on metal matrix composites. Many permutations and combinations are made in the fabrication of MMCs (Metal Matrix Composites). The variations are made in the type of base metal and reinforcement, the percentage of reinforcement in the matrix, the form of reinforcement like powder, fibre, flakes, the type of fabrication like stir casting, squeeze casting etc. Then the mechanical properties, along with microstructures are tested for desired applications. Casting plays an important role in the fabrication of MMC. Here melting of metals, alloys in small quantity for experimental purpose is needed. Therefore a portable, low cost aluminium or any other metal/alloy having melting temperature in the range of 600–750 °C is developed in this research work. Infrared heater is used to melt aluminium in graphite crucible. The melting electricity cost for this infrared furnace (IR Furnace) for melting 250 gm of aluminium in 55 min is estimated as Rs. 13.50. The furnace is fabricated using standard parts instead of going for manufacturing special parts, which considerably reduced the cost of furnace and estimated Rs. 15080/-