Electromagnetic Levitation of Solid and Molten Metals

The subject is an unconventional method of heating and melting metals without a crucible, by suspension in space with an electromagnetic field. Operating conditions for certain cases are given. The results obtained by means of the new technique encourage the thought of melting, purifying, alloying, and agitating of inert and reactive metals without resort to crucibles, and thereby avoiding the contamination of reactive metals by crucible materials. Preliminary results with various forms and masses of metal are described. Considerations concerning the atmosphere in which levitation occurs are included.