A crucible is a pot used for melting metals in a furnace. The crucible is designed to withstand high temperatures and should be made of materials with a higher melting point than the metals being melted. Graphite crucibles, specifically those used for melting gold, are made of a superior grade graphite that has thermal shock resistance, thermal stability, oxidation resistance, and excellent mechanical strength. These crucibles are designed to withstand temperatures of over 2000° C or 3632° F.
The ability of a crucible to handle rapid temperature changes is also important. Some crucible types, like those made of graphite with high carbon content, have high thermal conductivity and non-wetability, making them more resistant to thermal shock. This is critical in foundry applications where temperatures can change by several hundred degrees in seconds.
Furnace crucibles are available in different materials such as clay-graphite and silicon-carbide, which can resist extreme temperatures in typical foundry operations. Silicon carbide crucibles are highly durable. The shape of the crucible can vary, with common shapes being "A" shape and bilge shape.
The charging method of the crucible can also affect its durability. If the furnace is always charged with molten metal, a highly resistant crucible may not be necessary. However, if heavy materials like metal ingots are manually loaded into the furnace, a mechanically strong crucible that can withstand physical shocks is recommended.
Crucibles should also have a durable protective glaze to prevent oxidation damage. Rough handling or sharp edges from materials like extruded aluminum ingots can lead to damage to the glaze and subsequent damage to the crucible.
Apart from foundry applications, crucibles are also used in laboratories to contain chemical compounds when subjected to extremely high temperatures. They come in different sizes and are often held inside a pipeclay triangle on top of a tripod when heated over a flame.
In summary, crucibles are designed to withstand high temperatures and are made of materials with a higher melting point than the metals being melted. They should have thermal shock resistance, thermal stability, oxidation resistance, and mechanical strength. The ability to handle rapid temperature changes is also important. Crucibles come in various materials and shapes, and their durability can be affected by the charging method and the presence of a protective glaze.
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