Metal Casting Zone

I am considering purchasing a three phase 20kw, 10k hertz, induction furnace, generator type. The crucible is 17lb. This unit has been rebuilt and most likely dates from the early 1970's. My question is that are newer technologies more efficient? Sorry I'm new at this! We are casting mainly brass, thanks!

Sounds pretty cool to me, but I'm blowing propane or used motor oil into an concrete bucket so anything sounds good.
I don't know much about induction furnaces, I believe the get real hot real fast so you have quick melt times. That should save on energy. The foundry near where I work used to have an induction furnace and an electric arc furnace, they did both Iron and Aluminum melts. They closed down about 10 years ago.
That sounds like a really good size to start out with, let us know how you are progressing.

Welcome to the forum.

Thanks for responding; yes it’s a good system as far as I can tell. It’s so hard to get understandable information when you’re as ignorant as I in the subject of metal casting. I was just trying to understand if the newer technologies like silicon chip systems, and I'm not sure if this is really a newer type techno or not, are more efficient in electrical usage than the older generator type of induction system. We work with 17lbs of brass at a heat, this works perfect for us. Thanks again! And good luck with your system!

Hey I am new here as well, I do a lot of vehicle restorations and was looking to learn about the casting process, but came across your comment about used motor oil. Are there are lot of people using that to heat their furnaces? If so, is it worth trying to get my used oil to them or is that something that is fairly easy to come across?

Thanks,
Paul
Rapid Prototyping

There is more and more people using used oil. I'm trying to get a siphon nozzle set-up to work for me, but it seems to still want a pre-heat. A direct drip tube type works well if you have a large enough blower and it always needs a preheat with propane or something.
I have a friend that heats his home with used motor oil. He has several mechanics that allow him to pick up the oil. He also built an Aluminum smelter to melt aluminum trannies and other car parts. He has a large used oil burner on it. Last time I was up to his pace, he had a couple thousand gallons of oil in 250 gal totes stacked in a building.
Some states have laws about used oil transport and storage, you would have to check it out for your area.

Used oil is like a waste.how could we reuse in our daily life?its also harmful for us.

I use it outside, well ventilated. I fit's smoking and making a lot of stink then, it's not burning right or hot enough. Less oil and/or more air flow.