Steel vs. Aluminum Shell: How to Choose the Right Furnace Body

When purchasing a new electric induction furnace, one of the most important decisions you’ll face is choosing the furnace body structure—steel shell or aluminum shell. Each has distinct advantages and limitations depending on capacity, durability, safety, and cost.

At Luoyang Judian, we help global buyers understand the differences between these two options so they can select the right equipment for their operation.

Aluminum Shell Furnace: Lightweight and Economical

Aluminum shell furnaces are designed with simplicity and affordability in mind. They are most suitable for small-capacity systems, typically under 2 tons. Key characteristics include:

• Simple construction
• Lower cost
• Service life: 5–8 years
• Lightweight design
• Minimal magnetic permeability
• Less structural strength

These furnaces are best suited for short production cycles, rapid product changes, or operations where furnace movement and flexibility are priorities.

However, there are trade-offs. Aluminum loses strength at high temperatures, becomes oxidized quickly, and is less safe when handling large volumes of molten metal. These furnaces lack robust tilting mechanisms, making them a less secure choice for high-volume or continuous operations.

Steel Shell Furnace: Durable and Safe for High-Tonnage Applications

Steel shell furnaces are built for heavy-duty industrial applications and offer a much longer service life, often over 10 years with proper maintenance. They are ideal for melting capacities over 2 tons, offering:

• High structural rigidity
• Excellent magnetic shielding
• Improved thermal stability
• Better safety in furnace tilting and pouring
• Stable pouring control (angle and speed)

For example, in a 5-ton medium frequency induction furnace, the total weight of molten iron and furnace can exceed 8–10 tons. Using a steel shell furnace in such a case ensures safe and stable pouring, especially during 95-degree tilting operations.

Steel structures withstand high temperatures more effectively, resist fatigue, and maintain mechanical strength over time—making them the preferred option for long-term and large-scale production lines.

Energy Consumption and Cost Considerations

While steel shell furnaces are more robust and safer, they tend to consume more electricity—on average, around 10% more compared to aluminum shell furnaces. Without energy optimization technologies, this increase can translate into hundreds of thousands of kilowatt-hours annually.

However, high-efficiency designs and power-saving configurations can help reduce energy losses and improve overall productivity in steel shell systems.

Steel shell furnaces are available in low, medium, and high-grade models, with significant differences in cost based on features and build quality. Though more expensive upfront, they often deliver greater return on investment through durability, safety, and process efficiency.

Summary: Which Furnace Shell Should You Choose?

Partner with Luoyang Judian for Reliable Furnace Solutions

As a professional electric furnace manufacturer, Luoyang Judian provides a wide range of custom induction furnace systems tailored to your material, production scale, and safety requirements. Whether you need an aluminum shell furnace for flexibility or a steel shell furnace for industrial-grade performance, we can deliver a solution that meets your needs.

Contact us today to discuss your project and receive a tailored furnace recommendation.