Facilities that support melting and casting of metals; including simulation, molding, pattern making, melting, and analysis capabilities for alloy development and prototyping.
Induction Melting
Fe-based alloys; irons and steels
Department
Materials Science and Engineering (MSE)
Location
Minerals and Materials Building (M&M)
Contact
Russell Stein
- Research Engineer/Scientist II, Materials Science and Engineering
- Faculty Co-Advisor, Advanced Metalworks Enterprise
- restein@mtu.edu
- 906-281-8639
- M & M Building 202
Specifications
- Inductotherm PowerTrak 125-30
- 125W/2 kHz power supply
- Size options:
- large: 300-lb ferrous or 100-lb aluminum
- small: 50-lb ferrous or 17-lb aluminum
- Crucibles: graphite, alumina, magnesia, zirconia
Photo Gallery
Resistance Furnace Melting
Al-, Cu-alloys
Department
Materials Science and Engineering (MSE)
Location
Minerals and Materials Building (M&M)
Contact
Russell Stein
- Research Engineer/Scientist II, Materials Science and Engineering
- Faculty Co-Advisor, Advanced Metalworks Enterprise
- restein@mtu.edu
- 906-281-8639
- M & M Building 202
Specifications
- McEnglevan resistance furnace
- 1300°C maximum temperature
- SiC crucible
- 35-lb aluminum, approximately 50-lb copper, brass, or bronzes (approximately 3-in diameter billets)
- Rotary degassing capability
Photo Gallery
Speedy Melt
Non-ferrous metal alloys
Department
Materials Science and Engineering (MSE)
Location
Minerals and Materials Building (M&M)
Contact
Russell Stein
- Research Engineer/Scientist II, Materials Science and Engineering
- Faculty Co-Advisor, Advanced Metalworks Enterprise
- restein@mtu.edu
- 906-281-8639
- M & M Building 202
Specifications
- Speedy Melt gas fired furnace
- Approx. 1200°C, 30 lb ceramic crucible
Photo Gallery
Vacuum Induction Melting
Al-, Mg, Cu- Ni-based alloys
Department
Materials Science and Engineering (MSE)
Location
Minerals and Materials Building (M&M)
Contact
Russell Stein
- Research Engineer/Scientist II, Materials Science and Engineering
- Faculty Co-Advisor, Advanced Metalworks Enterprise
- restein@mtu.edu
- 906-281-8639
- M & M Building 202
Specifications
- Ionex Vacuum Induction Melter (VIM)
- Inductotherm VIP 20W / 10kHz power source
- Max temperature ≈ 2500°C with graphite crucible
- 1 liter (max) crucible volume
- 10-5 torr vacuum (diffusion pump)
- Automated pouring, chill plate, argon et al backfill capabilities
Photo Gallery
Arc Melting
Metal alloys, including refractory and other high-melting compositions.
Department
Materials Science and Engineering (MSE)
Location
Minerals and Materials Building (M&M)
Contact
Paul Fraley
- Research Engineer/Scientist II, Materials Science and Engineering
- pdfraley@mtu.edu
- 906-281-7720
- M & M Building 522
Specifications
- Thermal Technology, Inc. Arc Melter
- Ar-backfilled vacuum environment
- Inert tungsten arc melting
- 10-50 gm ingot buttons or bars.
Photo Gallery
Melt Spinning
Rapidly solidified alloys; esp., Al-, Mg-, Ti-, Sn-alloys
Department
Materials Science and Engineering (MSE)
Location
Minerals and Materials Building (M&M)
Contact
Paul Fraley
- Research Engineer/Scientist II, Materials Science and Engineering
- pdfraley@mtu.edu
- 906-281-7720
- M & M Building 522
Specifications
- Marko Metals Model 5T Melt Spinner
- Inductotherm VIP 20 kW / 10 kHz power supply
- 10-5 torr vacuum chamber
- Cu and Cu-Be wheel, 2500 rpm capable
- Graphite, quartz, or quartz with BN-, Al2O3, or Y2O3- coatings
- Ribbon product, ≈ 106 cooling rates
- Glove box collection chamber for inert handling and storage
Photo Gallery
