In modern metallurgy, the quality of steels and alloys directly depends on the accuracy and purity of their production. One of the key stages in this process is remelting, due to which the metal is purified from impurities, acquires a more uniform structure and improved physical and chemical properties. We will understand what types of remelting are used in metallurgy today and what role they play in the production of modern materials.
Melting is the process of re-melting a metal or alloy, followed by crystallization. Its goal is to improve the properties of the material: remove unwanted impurities, change the chemical composition, increase the uniformity of the structure and improve physical and mechanical properties.
The role of remelting in metallurgy:
Remelting can significantly improve the performance characteristics of steels and alloys — strength, hardness, heat resistance and corrosion resistance. This is especially important for materials that will be used in conditions of high temperatures, pressures or aggressive environments. Remelting also reduces the likelihood of defects in the metal, such as cracks, pores and structural heterogeneity, which increases the reliability and durability of finished products.
EDP is one of the classical technologies in which a metal or alloy is melted using an electric arc. During the EDP process, an electrode (usually graphite or metal) is connected to an electric current source. A high-temperature electric arc is created between the electrode and the metal that needs to be melted, which melts the metal. The molten metal is collected in a special form or mold, where it then crystallizes and solidifies.
Benefits of EDP:
Weaknesses:
The method of electric arc remelting is used for tungsten, titanium, tantalum, molybdenum metals, as well as to improve the properties of special steels and precision alloys. EDP is suitable for the production of electrodes, tool steels and other products that require increased strength and wear resistance.
This method is an improved version of EDP, but is carried out in vacuum. Under low pressure conditions, the melt does not come into contact with oxygen and other gases, which increases the purity of the metal.
During the VDP process, a consumable electrode (made of a meltable alloy) is connected to an electric current source. An electric arc is created between the electrode and the workpiece, which causes the metal to melt. Molten steel is collected in a special form or mold, where it then crystallizes and solidifies.
The advantages of VDP:
Weaknesses:
VDP is used in the aviation and space industries, as well as in the manufacture of medical equipment. Vacuum arc remelting is used to produce steels and alloys with special properties, such as resistance to atmospheric and chemical corrosion, heat resistance, etc., as well as in the production of precision alloys, for example, 50NP et 42N.
In ESP, melting occurs due to the passage of current through electrically conductive slag. During the ESP process, a consumable electrode made of meltable metal or alloy is lowered into molten slag, which serves as a conductor of electric current. Under the influence of the heat released when current passes through the slag, the electrode melts and drops drop by drop into the crystallizer, where the ingot is formed.
The process takes place in a special furnace with a controlled atmosphere, often in vacuum or in a protective gas environment, which minimizes the interaction of the melt with the environment and improves the quality of the metal.
The advantages of ESP:
Weaknesses:
Electroslag remelting is widely used in mechanical engineering and power engineering — for example, to produce large shafts, rotors and supports. It produces high-quality steels and alloys with a minimum content of impurities and gases, which ensures high purity of the metal and the uniformity of its properties.
In VIP, the metal is melted in vacuum by induction heating. This method is widely used in the metallurgical industry to produce high-quality materials with improved physical and chemical properties, as it makes it possible to obtain exceptional purity and accuracy of the chemical composition.
VIP benefits:
Weaknesses:
Vacuum-induction remelting is used to produce pure metals and alloys with a high degree of uniformity. VIP is used in the production of a number of steels, including alloys 29NK et 36N and other materials with a given coefficient of linear thermal expansion that are used in electronic devices and satellite systems, as well as other materials for aviation, space and the nuclear industry. This method makes it possible to minimize the content of gases and non-metallic inclusions, as well as to ensure high physical and mechanical properties of special steels and precision alloys.
The choice of remelting technology is determined by a number of factors:
Modern remelting methods make it possible not only to improve the properties of metals, but also to set the necessary characteristics for them in advance. For businesses like PZPS, this is the basis creating alloys, capable of operating under a wide variety of operating conditions.
Our factory uses induction smelting methods and, if necessary, various remelting methods to produce precision alloys and special steels that meet stringent industry standards.
Special attention is paid to materials with high stability and precise characteristics:
Each PZPS smelting is the result of many years of experience, accurate engineering calculations and modern technologies aimed at ensuring the reliability and durability of products. Order high quality alloys and take advantage production services PZPS today! Contact us — and get materials that fully meet the requirements of your industry.
