Vacuum induction melting is a process for melting metal under vacuum

Vacuum

In everyday usage, vacuum is a volume of space that is essentially empty of matter, such that its gaseous pressure is much less than atmospheric pressure. The word comes from the Latin term for "empty". A perfect vacuum would be one with no particles in it at all, which is impossible to achieve in...

 conditions using electromagnetic induction

Electromagnetic induction

Electromagnetic induction is the production of an electric current across a conductor moving through a magnetic field. It underlies the operation of generators, transformers, induction motors, electric motors, synchronous motors, and solenoids....

. It works by creating electrical eddy currents in the metal which heats the "charge" to melt it. This process is used for refining of high purity metal and alloys, among other things.

Origin and Uses

The process was developed for specialised and exotic metals, however as the use of these metals and alloys increases, vacuum induction melting is becoming more commonly used. Some examples of its use include aircraft engine components and stainless steel for nuclear applications.

External Links

http://www.azom.com/article.aspx?ArticleID=1505
http://www.consarc.com/pages/vim.html