An arc is ignited between the lower end of the consumable electrode and the crystallizer, and an arc plasma zone forms between the lower end of the consumable electrode and the molten pool. This zone reaches extremely high temperatures, causing the tip of the consumable electrode to melt first.
As some non-metallic inclusions in the consumable electrode, such as oxides and nitrides, undergo decomposition or are removed through carbon reduction under vacuum and high-temperature conditions, further purification of the material is achieved.
Because the vacuum consumable arc furnace process can remove gases, non-metallic inclusions, and certain low-melting-point harmful impurities, the cold and hot workability, plasticity, mechanical properties, and physical properties of the material are significantly improved.
In particular, it reduces differences between longitudinal and transverse properties, which is extremely important for ensuring the stability, consistency, and reliability of material performance.