Northern Iron and Machine

Melting and Pouring

We use 3, 1500kw Induction furnaces to melt a combination of scrap steel and iron returns. These furnaces are capable of melting 45 tons per shift. These furnaces operate within a range of 2750 to 2800 degrees farenheit

During the melting process, various elements are added to the furnace to keep the chemical composition of the iron within the specified limits for the particular grade that's being poured.

After the proper chemical composition has been achieved, the furnace is "tapped". During the tapping process the entire furnace is tilted forward and the molten iron is poured into a Tundish or transfer ladle.

Throughout the process , slag (impurities) are removed using a coagulent for concentrating the impurities and a slag spoon for their physical removal.

All cast iron and steel have elemental iron (symbol Fe) as their main component. The primary difference between iron and steel is carbon content, with steel having a much lower carbon content when compared with cast iron. Though we produce iron that conforms to a variety of specifications, the iron we pour can be broadly classified as one of two types for cast iron.