XICRU™ SiC Silicon Carbide Aluminum & Zinc Crucibles

Oxidation Resistance for Prolonged Thermal Conductivity

Due to low-temperature oxidation resistance, our Series C Crucibles retain thermal conductivity throughout long operating cycles. Heat transfer efficiency decreases when surface oxidation generates insulating layers in conventional crucibles. Due to oxygen diffusion restrictions, our material composition keeps heat flow even after long exposure to 920°C. Aluminum and zinc smelting needs steady thermal conductivity to save energy usage and ensure melting uniformity.

Crack-Resistant Design for Durability

Crucible failure is predominantly caused by thermal shock. Our concept decreases internal stress fractures while utilizing a reinforced SiC-graphite matrix and low thermal expansion coefficients (4.1×10⁻⁶/°C). It precludes structural fissures in the crucible during fast heating and cooling. Unlike conventional clay-graphite alternatives, our crucibles last longer during cyclic furnace operation for lower unplanned interruption and replacement expenditures.

Iron-Free Material to Prevent Metal Contamination

Iron contamination in aluminum smelting degrades alloys and introduces impurities for lower casting quality. Our crucibles are iron-free to avoid Fe diffusion into molten metal. High-purity aluminum manufacturing needs iron control to retain mechanical properties. The non-reactive inner surface hinders inter-metallic compounds from forming with molten aluminum.

Our Series NF Crucibles work well around 620-920°C, where aluminum, aluminum alloys, and zinc alloys melt.

Localized overheating or thermal gradients may cause metal loss or alloy composition, but temperature stability controls heat dispersion. The material resists chemical corrosion from molten metals and thermal fatigue from furnace cycles at high temperatures.

First, slowly heat the empty crucible to 200°C for at least an hour to remove any moisture.

Then, gradually raise the temperature by 100°C every hour to 850-900°C. At this point, keep the crucible at steady-state heat for 1-2 hours for SiC-graphite matrix thermal dispersion.

Rapid heating is dangerous in the crucial 200-400°C region when material expansion differentials increase thermal shock vulnerability. Preheat the chamber before inserting the crucible in furnaces with unpredictable heating profiles to avoid localized stress areas. Extend low-temperature drying stages to eliminate deeply absorbed moisture from high-humidity crucibles and avoid microcracking during the first usage.

Steam expansion may induce internal stress fractures or catastrophic failure in the Series NF Crucible. Hence, it must be thoroughly dried before use!