The non-ferrous metals industry is focused on the extraction, refining, and processing of metals that do not contain significant amounts of iron, such as aluminum, copper, zinc, and precious metals like gold and silver.
These metals are produced using high-temperature processes such as smelting, refining, and casting, where the raw ore or scrap metal is melted in furnaces and purified before being shaped into usable forms. Aluminum smelters, for example, use electrolytic reduction cells to process alumina at temperatures exceeding 900°C, while precious metals refining involves the melting and purification of ores or scrap to recover valuable metals. Foundries in the non-ferrous sector cast these metals into specific shapes and components for industries ranging from automotive to electronics. All these operations require furnaces capable of withstanding intense heat and chemical exposure, making the use of advanced refractory materials essential.
The refractories used in the non-ferrous metals industry must be tailored to withstand both high temperatures and the specific chemical environments created by different metals. In aluminum smelting, refractories must resist the corrosive effects of molten aluminum and its byproducts, so materials like high alumina bricks, castables, and insulating firebricks are commonly used in reduction cells, furnaces, and ladles. Precious metals refining requires refractories that can withstand thermal shock, and the presence of fluxes and chemicals used in metal separation. In non-ferrous foundries, monolithic refractories such as castables and ramming mixes are applied for furnace linings, ensuring high thermal insulation and durability during metal casting.
Larkin Refractory Solutions plays a significant role in supporting the non-ferrous metals industry by providing a wide range of high-quality refractory products designed for these demanding applications. Larkin offers dense firebricks, high alumina bricks, monolithics, and insulating firebricks. In addition to supplying refractory materials, Larkin provides technical expertise to help customers choose the best products for their specific processes.
