If you own a forge, you need to know the melting points of metals. Key information on this topic can be found in the article below.
The appropriate melting point of metals in a blacksmith’s furnace varies for each metal, but also depends on several important factors, such as the type of blacksmith’s furnace, the type of fuel and the efficiency of the blower. In a coal-fired blacksmith’s furnace, temperatures of 1200-1300°C and even higher can be reached. This is the melting point of metals, which change their state at lower temperatures. The melting point of stainless steel is almost within the temperature range of this type of furnace and is 1370-1530°C (depending on the composition). If you are interested in the melting point of carbon steel, it has a higher range, 1425-1540°C (depending on the carbon content). This material requires the use of a propane furnace. On the other hand, the melting point of cast iron is 1150-1250°C, which allows it to melt freely in a coal-fired blacksmith’s furnace.
What are the melting points of common metals?
Most common metals, such as tin, lead, zinc, aluminium, silver, gold, copper, brass and bronze, can be melted in a well-functioning forge, including a carbon forge. Their melting point does not exceed 1100°C. The melting point of stainless or carbon steel and the melting point of cast iron are higher, so the process of changing them into a liquid state may require the use of a very efficient propane furnace, which reaches higher temperatures. The melting point of metals is so high in some cases that they are virtually impossible to melt in a wood-fired forge. Titanium melts at 1668°C, and tungsten has the highest melting point of all metals, at 3422°C.
How to control the temperature during metal casting?
When working with a forge, it is essential to control the melting temperature of metals to ensure that they are melted correctly and have the right properties. Different metals have different melting points – for example, the melting point of cast iron is between 1150 and 1250°C, while the melting point of stainless steel reaches as high as 1530°C. In practice, this means that steel melting temperature requires more advanced furnaces, often gas or propane. For effective operation, it is worth using temperature indicators and adjustable air supply systems that allow the required metal melting temperature to be achieved. When working with more demanding materials, such as titanium or tungsten, access to industrial furnaces is necessary. A full range of products for working at high temperatures can be found at Vitcas, which offers not only furnaces but also refractory materials. Ensure precision and safety in your work – check out the Vitcas offer now!
See also:
Casting materials – what you need to know
Aluminium casting at home: A practical guide
Knowing the melting point of metals makes a blacksmith’s work easier. It allows them to select the type of metal that is suitable for their forge.