Free-fall Gas Atomizer
Our research group is able to fabricate custom metal alloy powders using the Versamelt Gas Atomizer from Arcast Inc. This atomizer is research grade, specializing for small-batch quantities (1 kg and less) per run. There are four melting modes: ceramic crucible induction melt & bottom pour (ideal for steels and Ni-base alloys); bar-fed induction drip melting (crucible-free, ideal for Ti-base alloys and refractories), arc melt cold crucible tilt and pour; and tube feed arc melting. The atomizer uses a free-fall annulus jet.
We have been developing operation protocols over the last few years, and are comfortable processing: steels, ni-base alloys, ti-base alloys, and some refractory alloys. Powder yields from atomization runs are dependent on the material and atomizing jet pressure, but generally range from 20-60% of usable powder.
Cold Crucible Induction Melting
Our research group has a 60 kW induction power supply from Ambrel, coupled with a copper cold crucible from Arcast, for processing materials at high temperatures. The cold crucible volume is ~100 cm3, and capable of preparing custom ingots of most high temperature refractory alloys under low vacuum or inert atmosphere. The system can also be used for high-temperature annealing – either by inductively heating the specimen or using a graphite/tungsten susceptor.
We have coupled a high-temperature hyperspectral FMP2/2X pyrometer from FAR Associates to the induction system, which enables accurate temperature measurements from 800 – 4000°C via automated spectral and total emissivity correction, and absorption/emission compensation.
High Temperature Furnaces
Our research group has a fleet of furnaces for heat treatments and gas-phase reactions, including:
(i) a 4x4x6 in3 benchtop air furnace [1100 C max temp]
(ii) a 2″ diameter, 12″ hot zone tube furnace with controlled atmosphere [1100 C max temp]
(iii) a 2″ diameter, 6″ hot zone air tube furnace [1700 C max temp]
(iv) a 2″ diameter, 12″ hot zone tube furnace with controlled atmosphere [1500 C max temp]
(v) a 1″ diameter, 4″ hot zone tube furnace with controlled atmosphere [1200 C max temp];