SP-MSM360 32-Station Automatic Arc Melting System for High-Throughput Alloy Research with CNC 3-Axis Positioning and Ultra-Clean Glove Box
Central to its operation is a glove box maintaining moisture and oxygen levels below 1 ppm, housing a CNC-driven three-axis (X, Y, Z) stage that precisely maneuvers a 4 mm tungsten arc electrode. This electrode performs both stationary arcing and programmable stirring motions to ensure uniform melting and alloy homogeneity. The system supports both fully automatic batch processing and manual arc melting via a handheld stinger.
Key Features
- Automatic arc melting of up to 32 samples per batch using two 16-cavity water-cooled copper crucibles.
- Ultra-clean glove box environment with <1 ppm H2O and O2 levels for contamination-free processing.
- CNC three-axis (X, Y, Z) positioning system for precise electrode placement and programmable stirring motions.
- Water-cooled tungsten electrode and copper hearth to maintain stable arc melting conditions.
- Touchscreen control interface enabling one-button automatic melting sequences.
- Optional vacuum dust removal fixture to minimize cross-contamination during melting of low-melting-point materials.
- Manual arc melting capability with handheld stinger integrated via KF40 feedthrough.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Sample Capacity | 32 samples (two 16-cavity copper crucibles) |
| Sample Size | Up to 10 g per iron-based alloy sample |
| Crucible Cavity Dimensions | 25 mm diameter x 8 mm depth per cavity |
| Glove Box Atmosphere | <1 ppm H2O and O2 |
| Electrode | 4 mm diameter tungsten, water-cooled |
| CNC Axes | Three linear axes (X, Y, Z), max speed ≤ 800 mm/min |
| Arc Melting Power Supply | 15 V / 125 A at 35% duty cycle (110 V input); 18 V / 185 A at 35% duty cycle (220 V input) |
| Operating Voltage | Selectable 110 or 220 VAC, single-phase |
| Water Cooling | 16 L/min recirculating water chiller for crucibles and electrode |
| Gas Requirements | High-purity Argon (≥ 99.999%) for melting; 5% H2 + 95% Ar for purification regeneration |
| Glove Box Dimensions (LxWxH) | 1200 mm x 740 mm x 900 mm |
| Airlock Chambers | Large: 360 mm ID x 600 mm L; Small: 150 mm ID x 220 mm L |
Typical Applications
The SP-MSM360 is ideal for rapid synthesis and screening of new alloy compositions, including high-entropy alloys and multi-principal element alloys. It supports research in phase diagram development, materials genome initiatives, and other advanced metallurgical investigations requiring contamination-free, reproducible melting of multiple small samples.
Configuration & Operating Notes
The system includes a glove box with integrated H2O and O2 purification, CNC-controlled arc melting station, water-cooled copper crucibles, and a handheld arc melting stinger. Optional accessories include vacuum dust removal fixtures and connection to tube furnaces for annealing and quenching processes. Operators should avoid contact between the tungsten electrode tip and samples or crucibles during melting and use tweezers to handle cooled samples. Regular regeneration of the purification system and replacement of consumable oxygen sensors are recommended to maintain performance.
