VTC-500W Atmosphere-Controlled Melt Spinner with Water-Cooled Copper Wheel and Integrated Temperature Control
The VTC-500W melt spinner is engineered to produce amorphous metallic ribbons by rapidly quenching molten metal alloys. This system addresses the challenge of forming thin, uniform ribbons by melting metal ingots via induction heating and ejecting the molten stream onto a fast-spinning copper wheel under a controlled atmosphere to prevent oxidation and contamination.
The core of the system is a stainless steel vacuum chamber equipped with a quartz observation window and illumination for process monitoring. It incorporates a dual-stage mechanical pump capable of achieving vacuum levels down to approximately 5×10-2 Torr, with an ISO 160 flange reserved for an optional turbopump to reach high vacuum (10-6 Torr). Inert gas purging valves allow for moisture and oxygen exclusion during operation.
Key Features
- 15 kW dual-station induction heating system with precise temperature control and programmable profiles (±2 °C accuracy).
- 300 mm diameter copper flywheel spinning up to 2850 RPM (50 m/s surface speed) with servo motor-driven adjustable distance to crucible.
- Stainless steel airtight vacuum chamber with hinged door, quartz window, and illumination for process observation.
- Vacuum system includes mechanical pump with KF40 port and reserved flange for turbopump connection.
- Integrated large LCD touchscreen for controlling temperature, induction power, wheel speed, vacuum pumps, gas purging, and pressure monitoring.
- Maximum melting capacity approximately 500 g per batch for materials with melting points below 1000°C.
- Position-adjustable scraper to prevent ribbon accumulation inside the chamber.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Input Voltage | 220 VAC, three-phase, 60 Hz |
| Input Power | 25 kW (requires 70A breaker) |
| Vacuum Chamber Dimensions (L×W×H) | 500 × 550 × 700 mm |
| Vacuum Level | ~5×10-2 Torr with mechanical pump; 10-6 Torr with optional turbopump |
| Copper Wheel Diameter & Max Speed | 300 mm diameter, up to 2850 RPM (50 m/s surface speed) |
| Melting Capacity | 150 – 500 g per batch (material melting point < 1000°C) |
| Temperature Control | Thermocouple inserted in crucible wall; 30 programmable segments; ±2 °C accuracy |
| Crucible | Optional boron nitride crucible recommended for ferro metallic materials < 1200°C |
| Pressure Control | PID pressure regulator with pneumatic solenoid valves for gas purging and pump isolation |
Typical Applications
The VTC-500W is suited for research and development of amorphous metallic ribbons and alloys, particularly in materials science and magnetic materials such as NdFeB. It enables controlled rapid solidification to produce thin ribbons with tailored properties for advanced functional materials.
Configuration & Operating Notes
Optional accessories include boron nitride crucibles, turbopumps for higher vacuum, customized water-cooled copper molds, vacuum casting molds, water chillers, and glovebox integration for air-sensitive materials. The system requires careful selection of material composition and crucible size to ensure suitable melt viscosity for successful spinning. Direct contact of the thermocouple with molten metal should be avoided to prevent damage.
