VTC Vacuum/Casting Machines
The VTC 100 V – VTC 800 V are extremely versatile casting machines suitable for a wide range of applications – and a number of options that were considered mutually incompatible up to now. Thus, while the VTC series was originally designed as a high-temperature casting machine for casting steel, palladium, platinum etc. (max. 2,000° C), large flasks also make it suitable for economically producing castings in gold, silver, copper, aluminium and other materials.
The machine combines a dual-chamber differential pressure system with a tilting mechanism. The casting process is achieved by rotating the entire melting-casting unit by 90°. One benefit of the tilting system is the use of economically priced graphite or ceramic crucibles (without holes and sealing rods), these tend to have a longer service life. Some alloys, such as copper beryllium, quickly cause crucibles with holes and sealing rods to become untight and therefore useless, and for this reason, many casters have so far processed such alloys only in open systems – which means they can’t choose to optimise the process with overpressure or vacuum.
With the VTC series, these handicaps no longer apply. A vacuum can be produced in the melting chamber and the casting chamber to avoid oxidation processes during melting and air pockets in the casting mould. The flask is automatically pressed against the melting chamber for casting, this makes it possible to switch to overpressure during casting for better mould filling; in addition, the vibration technology optimises the process even further. As well as casting with flasks, casting into ingot moulds is also possible.
New sweep mode vibration system for perfect results even in Pt and Pd
Due to the vibration technology (see page 26) and the sophisticated vacuum/pressure system, this machine is perfectly suited to casting platinum and palladium – and all without an elaborate and sensitive centrifugal mechanism. The VTC machines are equipped with the advanced sweep mode vibration system. It considers that each casting tree and even each item of a tree has a different resonance frequency, depending on its shape and size. Generating variable frequencies the sweep mode vibration ensures that the optimum frequency is covered.
New generator system controlled via LCD display
A completely new generation of generator and control systems is present in the VTC series. Operation is simple and safe thanks to a clearly arranged and easy-to-use LCD display. All parameters, right down to the variable tilting speed, can be individually set and saved to ensure that recurring castings always produce consistent results.
The high vacuum casting systems VTC 100 V Ti - VTC 800 V Ti
The VTC Ti series is a cost-effective solution for casting highly reactive metals such as titanium, copper beryllium, amorphous steel etc.
Following numerous modifications, such as completely reconstructed valves and hose connections, special seals and an evacuation and inert gas flushing process tailored to the machine, the prerequisites for the required vacuum of 10–3 mbar were met. Furthermore, special crucibles and inductors were developed, as the ceramic crucibles that are normally used also react with titanium. They also reduce melting times – and the shorter the melting time, the less time there is for a possible reaction.
Data Overview of VTC-Series
■ standard equipment, ○ optional, - not available
| VTC 100 V / TI | VTC 400 V / TI | VTC 800 V / TI | |
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Power
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| Temperature max. | 2100° C | 2100° C | 2100° C |
| Power max. / electrical connection | 12 kW (3x400v) | 20 kW (3x400v) | 20 kW (3x400v) |
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Capacity
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| Volume ceramic crucible | 30 ccm = 600 g Pt / 250 g steel | 300 ccm = 2.0 kg steel | 600 ccm = 4.0 kg steel |
| For use of molds | standard equipment 125 mm / 220 mm h, ○ 125 mm / 350 mm h | standard equipment 125 mm / 220 mm h, ○ 125 mm / 350 mm h | standard equipment 125 mm / 220 mm h, ○ 125 mm / 350 mm h |
| Volume graphite crucible | 25 ccm = 450 g Au 18 ct | 300 ccm = 2.5 kg Cu | 600 ccm = 4.0 kg Cu |
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Operation and Control
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| Automatic tilting with motor drive | standard equipment | standard equipment | standard equipment |
| Vibration technology | standard equipment Sweep Mode | standard equipment Sweep Mode | standard equipment Sweep Mode |
| Automatic mold fixing | standard equipment | standard equipment | standard equipment |
| Programs | 100 | 100 | 100 |
| Temp. measurement by thermocouple | up to 1.300° C | up to 1.300° C | up to 1.300° C |
| Temperature measurement equipped with an optical pyrometer | up to 2000° C | up to 2000° C | up to 2000° C |
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Quality Assurance
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| RS 232, Ethernet, USB interface, diagnostic system | ■ | ■ | ■ |
| Data printer | ■ | ■ | ■ |
| GSM-modem for remote service | ■ | ■ | ■ |
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DMS
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■ | ■ | ■ |
| InduthermCloud | ○ | ○ | ○ |
| iThermControl | ○ | ○ | ○ |
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Accesories
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| Vacuum investment mixer Indumix 4+ | ○ | ○ | ○ |
| Furnace AK 135 | ○ | ○ | ○ |
| Vacuum pump | ○ | ○ | ○ |
| Water chiller | ○ | ○ | ○ |
| Pyrometer with video output | ○ | ○ | ○ |
