Research and Development Vacuum Induction Melting (VIM) Furnaces

Overview

Consarc® Research and Development Vacuum Induction Melting (VIM) systems are customizable small- to medium-size VIM furnaces engineered for pilot-scale melting and alloy work, with capacities ranging from several pounds to 1 ton and larger. Systems are offered with vacuum packages, multiple furnace configurations, and accessories tailored to specific applications. Key features include: - Custom-engineered furnace configurations specific to individual processes. - Easy access to the melt chamber for charging, maintenance, and coil repair. - Multiple charging systems able to utilize billet, revert, or virgin charge material. - Controls configurable from simple PLC-based terminals to full PC data logging. - Robust Inductotherm® induction power supplies and induction coils purpose-built for vacuum applications. - Immersion thermocouple and optical pyrometer temperature monitoring available; flexible charge-addition options; and sampling and testing devices available. Many small/R&D VIM furnaces use door-mounted designs, though layout varies depending on equipment placement and access routes. Product images are shown on the product page. These R&D VIM systems are used by precious metal foundries, industrial facilities, and academic institutions for pilot-scale production, alloy development, and process research or optimization. The available vacuum packages, configurable controls, temperature monitoring options, and sampling/testing devices support alloy exploration and process research workflows explicitly described for these users.