In the metal producing and processing industries, induction melting and holding has found wide acceptance. This article provides a detailed account of the physical principles of induction melting processes. It discusses the fundamental principles and components of induction furnaces such as induction crucible furnaces, channel induction furnaces, and induction furnaces with cold crucible. The article describes the advantages, applications, and fundamental principles of induction skull melting. It also provides information on the various specific application-designed induction melting installations.

This article describes typical foundry practices used to commercially produce zirconium castings. The foundry practices are divided into two sections, namely, melting and casting. The article discusses various melting processes, such as vacuum arc skull melting, induction skull melting, and vacuum induction melting. Various casting processes, such as rammed graphite casting, static and centrifugal casting, and investment casting are reviewed. The article also provides information on the mechanical and chemical properties of zirconium castings.

Skull melting refers to the use of furnaces with water-cooled crucibles that freeze a solid “skull” of material on the crucible wall. This article describes the basic components, operating pressure, advantages, and applications of vacuum arc and induction skull melting furnaces.