What is silicon carbide crucible used for?

Silicon carbide crucible is used for melting and refining metals. It is more durable than traditional ceramic crucibles and have many advantages, such as high-temperature resistance and thermal conductivity.

In this blog post, we will discuss the benefits of using them, how to choose the right one, and their advantages of them over traditional materials.

What is a silicon carbide crucible?

It is mainly made of flake graphite and carbon bonded as raw materials.  Manufacturers press the isostatic pressing process according to a certain proportion.

Their structure is dense, preventing heat loss to the surrounding environment. It is very durable and can withstand temperatures up to 1700 degrees Celsius.

This makes it ideal for smelting and refining metals and alloys.

They are also known for their excellent thermal conductivity. This means it can maintain a consistent temperature throughout the melting and refining process.

They come in many shapes and sizes， and the suppliers can customize them to meet the user’s needs.

 Uses

Silicon carbide crucibles are commonly used in metal smelting operations, such as copper, aluminum, lead, zinc, other non-ferrous metals, medium carbon steel, rare metal alloys, etc.

They’re also resistant to wear and corrosion and withstand thermal shock, which means you can run them through use without having to replace them frequently.

Metallurgy and foundries:

In metallurgy and foundry, they are widely used for melting, casting, and refining all kinds of metals, including ferrous and non-ferrous alloys ininduction furnace.

Due to their high-temperature resistance and excellent thermal conductivity, they can withstand extremely high temperatures and provide efficient heat transfer, ensuring optimal metal melting and casting processes.

At the same time, the non-reactivity of silicon carbide prevents contamination and ensures the purity and quality of the molten metal.

Glass and ceramics:

They are essential for producing glassware, ceramic components, and other high-temperature materials. Its excellent thermal shock resistance allows it to withstand rapid temperature changes without cracking or cracking.

They are can subject to extreme heating and cooling cycles. Its outstanding durability ensures reliable performance and consistent results, making it the first choice of artisans, glassmakers, and potters.

Chemistry Lab and Research:

These crucibles heat, mix, and react chemicals in chemical labs and research facilities due to their excellent thermal conductivity and corrosion resistance against acids, bases, and reactive substances. The inert nature of silicon carbide prevents contamination and ensures accurate experiments.

Moreover, their high-temperature resistance makes them essential for scientists and researchers studying high-temperature reactions and materials, as they can withstand harsh lab conditions.

Jewelry and Precious Metal Casting:

Gold, silver, platinum, and other precious metals are melted and cast in silicon carbide crucibles because of their ability to withstand the high temperatures required for metalworking. They ensure even heat distribution, precisely facilitating the melting and casting process.

It also has excellent thermal insulation, allowing for controlled cooling and solidification of molten metal. This results in high-quality, well-formed jewelry pieces and precise castings of intricate designs, satisfying the needs of jewelry makers and metal craftsmen.

Benefits of Using

• It has high thermal conductivity and shortens the time to melt metals or alloys.
• It has strong thermal shock resistance and will not break even if there is rapid cooling and heating during the smelting process.
• It has the performance of graphite, so it will not pollute the molten material, and the amount of metal slag adhered to the inner wall is small.
• Because of its fast heat conduction, it can save fuel, reduce exhaust pollution and protect the environment.
• Has strong resistance to chemical and is not easily corroded.
• The crucible has a compact structure, low porosity, and long service life, reaching six months in regular use.

Conclusion

There are many specifications of silicon carbide crucibles, and the prices are also different. So please customize it according to your needs. It would be best to store The crucible in a dry environment, and workers must preheat it to 150-200 degrees Celsius before use and then add materials. Their performance of them can meet your production needs.

More Resources:

Slilicon Carbide– Source: Wikipedia

induction furnace – Source: Inductotherm

standard silicon – Source: Microanalysis Element Standards

Graphite Crucible – Source: JINSUN