VTC-200S-GB 7 kW Vacuum Melt-Spinning System with Integrated Glove Box for Air-Sensitive Amorphous Ribbon Production
The VTC-200S-GB system is engineered for the preparation of amorphous metallic ribbons through vacuum melt-spinning, reaching temperatures up to 2000ºC. This benchtop unit is particularly suited for processing air-sensitive materials, as it integrates a glove box allowing sample handling and transfer without exposure to atmospheric oxygen or moisture. The system includes a transfer tank that facilitates secure movement of samples from the glove box to the melt-spinning chamber, maintaining an inert environment throughout the process.
During operation, metal ingots are melted by a 7 kW induction heater and propelled by pressurized inert gas onto a rapidly spinning copper drum. The melt solidifies instantly upon contact, forming thin amorphous ribbons. The glove box connection allows the entire sample collection process to be completed in an oxygen- and moisture-controlled atmosphere, preserving sample integrity for sensitive alloys.
Key Features
- 7 kW desktop induction heater operating at 30-80 kHz for melting alloys up to 2000ºC.
- Vacuum chamber with stainless steel construction and quartz observation window, achieving 5e-5 torr vacuum within 30 minutes.
- 200 mm diameter copper flywheel spinning up to 31 m/s (3000 RPM) with adjustable crucible-to-wheel gap (0-10 mm).
- Integrated glove box with automatic gas purification, pressure control, and HEPA filtration for oxygen and moisture levels below 1 ppm.
- Sample transfer tank and ISO160-K gate valve isolate glove box and melt-spinning system to prevent cross-contamination.
- Two quartz crucibles included for materials melting below 1200ºC; custom crucibles and graphite sheaths available.
- Siemens PLC control with touchscreen for monitoring oxygen, moisture, and pressure inside the glove box.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Induction Heater Power | 7 kW (30-80 kHz, non-adjustable) |
| Maximum Working Temperature | 2000ºC |
| Sample Load Capacity | 10-20 g (Fe-based alloys) |
| Copper Flywheel Diameter | 200 mm |
| Maximum Flywheel Speed | 31 m/s (3000 RPM) |
| Vacuum Chamber Dimensions | 300 x 300 x 480 mm (Stainless Steel) |
| Vacuum Level Achieved | 5e-5 torr within 30 minutes (turbopump) |
| Glove Box Dimensions | 1200 x 740 x 900 mm (Stainless Steel 304) |
| Glove Box Atmosphere | O2 <1 ppm, H2O <1 ppm with automatic purification |
| Power Supply | 208-240 VAC, 50/60 Hz, 7 kW (melt-spinning); 110/208-240 VAC, 1.5 kW (glove box) |
| Control System | Siemens PLC with 7″ touchscreen |
| Included Crucibles | Two quartz crucibles (0.5-1 mm orifice) for materials <1200ºC melting point |
| Sample Transfer | Transfer tank and ISO160-K gate valve for air-free sample handling |
Typical Applications
This system is ideal for research and development of amorphous metallic ribbons, especially for air-sensitive alloys requiring inert atmosphere processing. It supports rapid solidification studies, magnetic material fabrication, and alloy composition optimization under controlled vacuum and inert gas conditions.
Configuration & Operating Notes
The system requires an external water chiller for induction heater cooling, which is not included. A separate vacuum pumping system for melt-spinning is also necessary but sold separately. Optional accessories include high-frequency induction heaters, custom crucibles (quartz or boron nitride), graphite sheaths for refractory or low magnetic permeability materials, water-cooled or stainless steel spinning wheels, and carbon/solvent vapor filters for glove box atmosphere.
Users should verify material viscosity and melting behavior to ensure successful melt-spinning. The equipment can be adapted for casting and granulating applications. Safety precautions include proper handling of inert gases and ensuring water cooling is operational to prevent induction heater damage.
