Representing a significant leap forward in copper rod production, copper rod casting machines combine graphite furnace technology in a single melting, holding and casting furnace.
Leading continuous casting technology specialists, Rautomead, of Dundee, Scotland, have introduced a new range of copper rod casting machines that represent a significant leap forward in copper rod production. Combining the advantages of graphite furnace technology all in a single melting, holding and casting furnace, the new machines, designated ‘RDG Series’ models have rated outputs from 10,000 to 30,000 tonnes/year combined with impressively low operating costs. The design of the machines is the result of close technical collaboration between Rautomead - with its specialist knowledge of continuous casting systems - and Induga of Germany, well-known specialists in induction heating.

Both companies have over twenty years’ experience in their respective fields.

* Up to 20,000 tonnes/year, without hot metal transfer - available in 10,000 - 12,000 tonnes/year and 18,000 - 20,000 tonnes/year capacities - all without the need for hot metal transfer - RDG Series machines feature automatic cathode feed, a single channel-type induction furnace with separate melting and holding baths, multiple-strand casting stations, super-cooling design and withdrawal technology, plus 5 tonne capacity rod coilers.

The RDG-360 machine for 30,000 tonnes/year features a primary melting furnace transferring liquid copper through an enclosed channel into a holding and casting furnace, complete with Rautomead continuous casting withdrawal, tooling, controls and rod coiling units.

Alumina linings are used in the induction furnace, and graphite technology is used in the holding and casting chamber for conditioning the molten copper prior to casting.

A state-of-the-art Siemens plc control and monitoring suite provide the operator with a full picture of process status and sequences at all times, with automatic data-logging and complete traceability.

* Complete continuous casting flexibility - with the new RDG machines providing users with the ability to cast up to 30,000 tonnes/year of the highest quality oxygen-free copper redraw rod (8.0mm - 12.7mm diameter) using a cathode feedstock and Rautomead’s well-established RS electric resistance graphite technology, Rautomead is now able to offer a range of elegant casting solutions for all manufacturing quantities from 3,000 - 30,000 tonnes/year.

* Reliable production - throughout many years of use, Rautomead RS Series machines have proved reliable in production and are associated with the highest quality oxygen-free copper rod for magnet wire and superfine wire production.

As an additional benefit, these machines offer the advantage of a modular design, enabling an initial installation to be easily expanded as the scale of an operation increases or production requirements change.

Commented Rautomead chairman, Sir Michael Nairn, ‘With the introduction of the new RDG Series machines, Rautomead customers now enjoy even greater flexibility of choice.

Large-scale CuOF rod producers have gained the opportunity to purchase a single Rautomead model capable of meeting their entire annual manufacturing requirement.

Alternatively, for smaller manufacturing quantities, or for the production of a range of different copper alloys, customers may decide to invest in a single or multiple 6000 tonne/year resistance-heated RS Series machine.’