AM-400 Four-Head Vacuum Arc Melting System with Rotating Water-Cooled Copper Hearth for Uniform Alloy Melting
Central to the AM-400’s operation is its vacuum chamber equipped with a water-cooled stainless steel construction and a rotatable copper hearth. This hearth rotates at adjustable speeds between 1 and 20 rpm, promoting even heat distribution and alloy homogenization without manual intervention. The chamber supports a wide pressure range from ultra-high vacuum (10⁻⁶ torr) to near atmospheric pressure (900 torr), enabling flexible processing conditions.
Key Features
- Four independent arc melting heads each with digitally controlled DC pulsed or AC output, allowing precise arc control.
- Adjustable arc head positions in length and angle to optimize melting conditions for various sample sizes.
- Rotatable copper hearth (100 mm diameter, 15 mm depth) with water cooling jacket for uniform melting.
- Vacuum chamber with water-cooled SS304 construction, front door for sample access, and a 100 mm diameter observation window.
- Supports vacuum levels down to 10⁻⁶ torr with optional turbopump connection and mechanical pump compatibility.
- Digital display for rotation speed control and multiple safety features including pressure regulation and arc observation protection.
- Four NRTL-certified power sources stacked on a mobile cart, each delivering up to 18 V / 250 A at 60% duty cycle.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Power Source | 4 digitally controlled DC pulsed/AC selectable power units |
| Input Voltage | 208 – 240 VAC, single phase, 50/60 Hz |
| Output | 18 V / 250 A at 60% duty cycle (per unit) |
| Total Power Requirement | 15 kW for all four units |
| Arc Melting Heads | 4 heads with 4 mm tungsten rods and water-cooling sleeves; adjustable length and angle |
| Melting Capacity | Up to 100 g Fe-based alloys; 30 g W-based alloys |
| Copper Hearth Dimensions | 100 mm diameter × 15 mm depth; rotatable at 1–20 rpm |
| Vacuum Chamber | Water-cooled SS304; Φ300 mm × 320 mm H; front door Φ150 mm; observation window Φ100 mm |
| Vacuum Range | 10⁻⁶ torr to 900 torr |
| Vacuum Pump Compatibility | Mechanical pump (10⁻³ torr) or turbopump (10⁻⁶ torr, direct connection required) |
| Cooling Water Flow | >58 L/min recirculating water chiller (not included) |
Typical Applications
Ideal for melting and alloying research samples in metallurgy, materials science, and advanced alloy development. Suitable for preparing homogeneous metal ingots and experimental alloys requiring controlled atmosphere and precise arc melting.
Configuration & Operating Notes
The system requires a two-stage pressure regulator on the inert gas supply to maintain safe operating pressures below 3 psi. Operators must wear appropriate welding eye protection during arc operation. The unit is designed for operation under low vacuum or slight positive pressure; high-pressure operation is prohibited. During melting, electrodes must not contact the sample or copper hearth, and mechanical manipulators should remain inactive.
A water chiller with sufficient flow rate is necessary for cooling the hearth and arc heads. Vacuum pumps are optional and must be selected based on desired vacuum level. UL/CSA certification is available as an option.
