Aluminum is probably the most used metal in the world today. It’s used to make cookware, sculptures, jewelry, ornaments, and other projects. Regardless of your industry, you can use an aluminum melting furnace to melt aluminum and turn it into any product.

Like everyone else, you want to use as little heat and fuel as possible during the aluminum melting process. That can only happen if you purchase the best type of furnace to melt aluminum.

Here is a guide to the different types of aluminum melting furnaces by Cara Gibson.

Crucible Furnaces

Crucible furnaces are perhaps the most used aluminum melting furnaces. These furnaces contain refractory materials like ceramics so that they can withstand high temperatures. The furnace is placed over a heat source during the aluminum melting process.

Crucible furnaces are available in various sizes, designs, and features. They have the edge over other aluminum melting furnaces thanks to their affordability and minimal maintenance needs.

Induction Furnaces

Apart from crucible furnaces, you can also use an induction furnace to melt aluminum. Unlike crucible furnaces, induction Furnaces rely on alternating electric currents to provide the desired melting temperatures.

Since they rely on electricity, these furnaces are energy efficient and can melt different quantities of aluminum. Beyond that, they are easy to operate and maintain.

Electric Arc Furnaces

Like induction furnaces, electric arc furnaces also use electricity to provide the required temperatures to melt aluminum. However, these furnaces use an electric arc to generate electricity instead of an inductor.

Cupola Furnace

Another type of aluminum melting furnace you can use is a cupola furnace. These furnaces have been around for quite some time now. Typically, a cupola furnace is cylindrical and is lined with bricks, blocks, or clay to protect the interior from excess heat and oxidation.

However, cupola furnaces are becoming less popular with time because they are less energy efficient than other furnaces.

Final Thoughts 

There are different types of aluminum melting furnaces available in the market today. Some are more popular than others. If you are shopping for the best aluminum melting furnace, take your time to compare the different options.

Due to affordability and energy efficiency, induction and crucible furnaces are the go-to option for many.