Zirconia Crucibles
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Premium crucibles for melting superalloys, precious metals, and aggressive materials up to 2200°C. Available in multiple compositions to optimize performance for specific alloy systems and operating conditions.
Product Applications
Crystal Growth FurnacesGlass MeltingInvestment CastingPowder Metal AtomizationPower GenerationPrecious Metals MeltingSpecialty Alloy MeltingSteel Making
Crucibles are one of the most critical parts in melting and casting processes, and zirconia crucibles offer superior performance and durability for many alloy types compared to alternative materials such as clay graphite, silicon carbide, or alumina. Designed for use with induction furnaces in traditional grouted-coil or two-crucible installations, Zircoa provides a high-temperature crucible to enable clean melts and reliable performance up to 2200°C.
Zirconia crucibles are engineered for high-end applications under extreme conditions such as high temperature or vacuum environments, particularly for safety-critical products that require super clean melts. Learn more about our high-temperature crucibles below, or reach out to our experts to discuss specifics.
The Benefits of Zircoa High-Temperature Crucibles
- Superior thermal shock resistance for reliable thermal cycling
- Excellent chemical stability against aggressive and corrosive alloys
- Erosion resistance for extended service life
- Low wettability prevents alloy contamination
- Multi-use capability for cost-effective operations
- Energy efficient thermal properties reduce operating costs
- Suitable for oxidizing or vacuum atmospheres
- Clean melt capability for high-purity applications
Primary Industries
- Investment casting for aerospace and industrial gas turbines
- Medical device manufacturing and dental applications
- Powder metallurgy and metal injection molding
- Precious metal casting and refining operations
- Steel industry specialty alloy production
Key Applications
- Superalloy melting (cobalt and nickel-based alloys)
- Precious metal processing for jewelry and industrial applications
- Processing of Platinum Group Metals (PGMs)
- High-temperature vacuum melting operations
- Clean melt requirements for critical components
High Temperature Crucible Selection and Specifications
Crucible selection
Zircoa’s different compositions are optimized for certain metals and alloys, applications, and temperature ranges.
- C3001 – It is recommended as the “best choice” of crucible materials for melting the entire range of commercial alloys. It exhibits superior resistance to both thermal shock and erosion. Low thermal expansion and non-wettability make this one of our most popular compositions for crucibles.
- C1651 – Contains fused grog, and can be used in high temperature (>1800ºC) applications. It provides superior resistance to erosion, exhibits good thermal shock resistance, and is recommended where high purity is required.
- C2291 – Combines inertness to the melt with application temperatures beyond 1900ºC and is the preferred choice for high-quality platinum group metals
- C2004 – Primarily used for melting platinum-group alloys. It is designed for “dirty refining” applications, especially when glassy or siliceous slags are present.
Use our online tools or consult with application specialists to select the optimal crucible based on:
- Application requirements and alloy composition
- Bottom shape configuration (round bottom vs. flat bottom)
- Proper dimensions with backup material clearances
- Lip and spout shape for your specific furnace design
Typical Properties
| Composition | C3001 | C1651 | C2291 | C2004 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stabilizer | MgO | CaO | Y203 | Zircon |
| Typical Chemistry | ||||
| SiO2 (wt.%) | 1.5 | 0.4 | 0.3 | 27.0 |
| CaO (wt.%) | 0.2 | 3.1 | 0.3 | 0.3 |
| MgO (wt.%) | 2.7 | 0.4 | 0.1 | 0.2 |
| Fe2O3 (wt.%) | 0.1 | 0.1 | 0.1 | 0.2 |
| Al2O3 (wt.%) | 0.8 | 0.4 | 0.3 | 0.5 |
| TiO2 (wt.%) | 0.1 | 0.1 | 0.1 | 2.0 |
| Y2O3 (wt.%) | N/A | N/A | 5.2 | N/A |
| ZrO2 (wt.%) | balance | balance | balance | balance |
| Typical Physical Properties | ||||
| Density (g/cm3) | 4.6 | 4.3 | 4.5 | 3.5 |
| Porosity (%) | 18 | 22 | 24 | 12 |
Optimize Crucible Performance with Backup Materials
Zirconium oxide backup material provides approximately five times the insulating value of alumina or magnesia. Extend the life of your crucible and maintain better control over your furnace temperatures with Zircoa’s pre-sintered grog refractory backup. The grain size distribution is optimized for sturdy support on the crucible bottom, good compaction on the sides, and stability even after several thermal cycles.
Options include:
- Backup 1859 — Grog, partially stabilized with magnesia and calcia
-8 + 100 Tyler mesh size - Backup 1860 — Grog, partially stabilized with magnesia and calcia
-8 + 28 Tyler mesh size
Alumina Crucibles Related Case Studies
There are currently no case studies available for this product.
Contact a specialist
USA & Worldwide
Ronny Simon
+1-216-440-2283
Europe, the Middle East, Africa & India
Tobias Schmidt
+49-170-3212233
