Copper crucibles are used in continuous casting processes for a variety of metals due to their excellent thermal conductivity, high-temperature resistance, and relatively stable chemical properties. These include the following:
Titanium and titanium alloys: Titanium and titanium alloys offer advantages such as low density, high strength, and excellent corrosion resistance. However, they are chemically reactive and readily react with elements such as oxygen and nitrogen in the air. In continuous casting, copper crucibles are often used, along with a vacuum or inert gas atmosphere such as argon, to prevent reactions and oxidation between the titanium and titanium alloys and the crucible material, thereby ensuring ingot quality. For example, in a vacuum consumable electrode arc furnace, a titanium or titanium alloy consumable electrode serves as the negative electrode and a copper crucible as the positive electrode. Melting is carried out under the influence of an electric current, with the copper crucible serving as the carrier for the formation of the titanium molten pool and its cooling and solidification.
Zirconium alloys: Zirconium alloys offer excellent corrosion resistance and nuclear properties and are commonly used in nuclear reactors and other applications. Due to the reactivity of zirconium alloys, copper crucibles must be used in the continuous casting process under vacuum or inert gas to prevent oxidation and contamination, ensuring product performance and quality.
Nickel-Based Alloys: Nickel-based alloys feature high high-temperature strength, excellent oxidation resistance, and corrosion resistance, making them widely used in aerospace, energy, and other fields. Copper crucibles can be used in the continuous casting of nickel-based alloys. By controlling heating temperature and atmosphere, these alloys maintain excellent properties during the melting and casting process, preventing oxidation and other defects.
Refractory Metals and Their Alloys: High-melting-point refractory metals and their alloys, such as tungsten, molybdenum, niobium, and tantalum, have high melting points and place stringent requirements on melting equipment and processes. Copper crucibles, combined with induction heating and other technologies, can be used to melt and continuously cast refractory metals under vacuum or inert gas, effectively reducing the introduction of impurities and improving the metal’s purity and quality.
Copper and Copper Alloys: Copper crucibles have good compatibility with copper and copper alloys and are therefore also used in some small-scale continuous casting processes for copper and copper alloys. For example, in laboratories or some special small-scale casting production, copper crucibles are used to melt and cast copper and copper alloys, which is convenient for operation and control, while also ensuring certain quality requirements.
