In today’s world, simple alloys like 7075 aluminum and stainless steel 316 see many uses. However, some applications are in extreme conditions and need special metals like alloy 718 VIM-VAR. The VIM stands for vacuum induction melting, and it’s an important process used to purify metals. Here is more info on the subject.
What is VIM?
The process of vacuum induction melting is nothing new. In fact, it is almost 100 years old. The first methods for melting metal involved putting materials in a vat and applying heat. This worked for some materials, but in 1917 a German named Hanau developed a metal melting method using electricity inside of a vacuum (electromagnetic induction for heating).
Electromagnetic induction uses electricity flowing through a coil of wire, and this is what makes electric motors possible. In fact, the eddy currents created by the induction melts metals effectively. By 1920, vacuum furnaces in the United States worked to purify metals like nickel and cobalt. The process sees use in the nuclear energy and aerospace industries to create products like alloy 718 VIM-VAR.
How Vacuum Induction Melting Works
An induction furnace works differently inside a vacuum. Normally, impurities in the air will bond with metals as they melt. In order to avoid this contamination, melting takes place inside a vacuum. Melting the metal and casting it into shapes is a low-pressure process.
VAR
Metals like alloy 718 VIM-VAR go through a vacuum induction melting and vacuum arc remelting (VAR). It’s a secondary melting process used to produce high-quality metal bars. VAR allows for controlled solidification and a higher purity in alloys. However, it is an expensive operation.
A trusted metal supplier can give you many kinds of high-grade alloys including steel, aluminum, titanium, and super alloy 718 VIM-VAR. They are perfect for many aerospace applications today.
