Nov 13, 2021
Version 1
arc-melting V.1
This protocol is a draft, published without a DOI.
- 1University of Utah
- sparks-materials-informatics
Protocol Citation: Sterling G Baird 2021. arc-melting. Protocol exchange https://protocols.io/view/arc-melting-bz2yp8fw
License: This is an open access protocol distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited
Protocol status: In development
We are still developing and optimizing this protocol
Created: November 12, 2021
Last Modified: November 13, 2021
Protocol Integer ID: 55096
Keywords: arc melting, materials science, materials discovery, materials synthesis
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Abstract
Perform arc melting of various substances.
Guidelines
The goal is to obtain a homogenous compound consisting of several constituent materials. The minimum total runtime required to obtain this homogeneous compound should be used which may require removing and observing the sample before placing it back into the arc melter for additional time.
Safety warnings
Do not look directly at the arc from the arc melter. The electromagnetic radiation can damage your eyes, similar to looking directly at the sun. It is OK to look at the arc through the window of the shield.
Do not touch the hearth while it is hot. Allow time for the components to cool before removing.
Before start
Measure and record the mass of each of the starting materials prior to arc melting.
Setup
Setup
40s
40s
Sum the masses of the individual components ( ).
Total mass of components
Load the material onto the copper hearth inside the half-spherical depression and place a piece of titanium nearby to prevent oxidation.
Note
The titanium piece is used to absorb oxygen and prevent oxidation of the components.
Make sure the argon is flowing. Leave the regulator set to the default flow rate.
The argon gas tank should be set to 20 psi (right dial).
Note
There are multiple electrodes, but we only use the one pointed out in this image.
Ensure that the tungsten electrode makes contact with the copper hearth, but that it is not touching the sample.
Ensure that the water is flowing (open the middle spicket all the way).
Verify that the arc melter housing is cool to the touch.
Load the copper hearth beneath the arc melter and secure using the clamps.
Place the shield around the arc melter.
Safety information
Do not look directly at the arc. The arc should only be observed through the window of the shield to prevent eye damage (similar to looking directly at the sun).
Turn on the power supply.
Arc Melting
Arc Melting
Equipment
Idealarc® R3R-500 Stick Welder
NAME
Arc Melter
TYPE
Lincoln Electric
BRAND
K1286-16
SKU
LINK
Specifications
Dimensions (H x W x D) 27.5 in x 22.3 in x 32 in (699 mm x 566 mm x 841 mm)
Net Weight 402 lbs (183 kg)
Gouging (CAC-A)
Max Rating 625
Amphenol Pins (type of connector) 6
Work Lead Connector Type Lug
Stick Welders Amperage 500A/40V/60%
Stick Welders Duty Cycle 60%
Basic Specification
Input Voltage 460,220/230/240
Input Current 88/44A
Input Hertz 60
Input Power 230/460/3/60
Input Phase 3
Output Range 75-625A DC
Rated Output 500A/40V/60%
SPECIFICATIONS
Flip the power switch on for 00:00:05 and then flip the power switch off.
If the materials haven't fully melted, run the arc melter for an additional 00:00:05 while moving the electrode across the top of the hearth using the shaft connected to the electrode. Only use the shaft above the arc melter to move the electrode.
Ideally, the melted substance will be spherical, as shown by the glowing dot in the image.
Expected result
The melted substance is spherical.
10s
Disassemble
Disassemble
40s
40s
Wait 00:00:30 for the hearth to cool.
Safety information
Ensure that the bottom of the hearth is cool to the touch before removing.
Remove the hearth from the arc melter.
If the compound consists of multiple individual pieces, use tweezers to place these back into the semi-spherical depression and remelt for 00:00:05 (go to step #7 ).
35s
Calculations
Calculations
Measure the weight of the final product, excluding the titanium ( ).
Mass of final product
Subtract the final mass from the initial mass to determine the lost mass ( ).