Introduction to Precious Metal Melting Electric Furnaces

Core Features

1. Low Loss Design: Tailored to the high-value nature of precious metals, the furnaces adopt inert gas (Ar/N₂) protection or vacuum environments, combined with special crucibles (graphite, quartz, zirconia, etc.). This design can control the loss of Au/Ag below 0.1% and that of platinum-group metals such as Pt/Pd to ≤0.5%, minimizing the loss of precious metals.
2. High Purity Guarantee: The furnace body is made of high-temperature resistant and low-pollution materials, equipped with a precision temperature control system (accuracy ±5℃) to avoid the introduction of impurities. Some high-end models support vacuum melting, which can effectively remove gaseous impurities (H₂, O₂, N₂) and produce high-purity billets with no pores and uniform composition.
3. High Efficiency and Flexibility: Mainstream models adopt medium-frequency induction heating technology, featuring fast heating speed (3-15 minutes per furnace) and adapting to different production capacity requirements from 0.1kg to 50kg. They support batch small-scale production and continuous operation, capable of melting pure metals, alloys (such as K-gold, platinum-iridium alloys, silver-copper alloys), and precious metal waste.
4. Safety and Environmental Protection: Equipped with water cooling systems, anti-splashing devices, emergency shutdown interlocks, and special flue gas purification equipment, the furnaces can efficiently collect metal dust, avoid environmental pollution and potential safety hazards, and comply with industrial environmental protection and safe production standards.

Main Types and Application Scenarios

Core Application Fields

• Jewelry and Accessories: Melting and pouring of K-gold, platinum, and silver jewelry, supporting personalized design and mass production;
• Precious Metal Recycling: Extraction and regeneration of Au, Ag, Pt, and Pd from electronic waste, waste jewelry, and industrial waste residues;
• High-End Manufacturing: Preparation of precious metal alloys (such as platinum-rhodium thermocouple wires, gold alloy contacts) required for aerospace, electronic components, and medical equipment;
• Scientific Research: R&D, composition optimization, and performance testing of precious metal materials in universities and research institutes.

Parameters of Precious Metal Arc Furnaces

Core Parameter System (General)

Typical Model Parameters (Laboratory/Small-to-Medium Batch)

Key Parameter Explanations

• Melting Capacity: Calculated based on the actual density of precious metals and effective crucible volume, with a 10–20% margin reserved to prevent overflow.
• Vacuum/Atmosphere: Vacuum + high-purity Ar/He is preferred, reducing Au/Ag loss to below 0.1% and platinum-group metal (e.g., Pt/Pd) loss to ≤0.5%.
• Power Supply & Current: Current determines arc power and heating rate; voltage matches electrode spacing to ensure stable arc striking and uniform heating.
• Cooling System: Water pressure and flow rate must meet the heat dissipation requirements of the furnace body, electrodes, and copper mold; water temperature interlock prevents equipment damage due to overheating.
• Safety Interlock: Emergency shutdown, water cooling fault alarm, anti-splashing device, and observation window protection are essential configurations.

Selection Recommendations

1. Small-Batch R&D/Samples: Prioritize small-scale vacuum arc furnaces, focusing on low vacuum degree, rapid arc striking, and replaceable copper molds to control metal loss and gaseous impurities.
2. Small-to-Medium Batch Recycling/Ingot Casting: Choose multi-station models equipped with inert gas protection and flue gas purification to balance efficiency and environmental friendliness.
3. High-Melting-Point Platinum-Group Metals: Adopt high-vacuum and high-current designs with water-cooled copper crucibles to ensure complete melting and uniform composition.