Vibro-Cast Crucibles and Shapes
Large crucibles, above the 200mm diameter upper limit of the isostatic press, are made by vibro-casting. With this process, the thixotropic nature of a damp refractory mass under vibration is utilised and the material flows into the pattern space. The refractory shape is dried before being sintered in a kiln at high temperature.
This process lends itself to the production of almost any shape. Crucibles of any size can be made and details such as pouring lips and internal spouts can be integrated into the design. Transfer ladles can include lids and spouts for bottom pouring; complex tundishes and distribution boxes are made with this method.
A wide variety of materials are available, with bonding generally resulting from the ethyl silicate process; this ensures a ‘pure’ matrix, free from the performance-limiting alkalis often associated with refractories.
Cast zirconia shapes benefit from a solid-state zirconia bonding system, inferring no chemical weaknesses.
VibroCast Crucible Size List
Transfer Ladle Sizes List