Method for automatically fluxing and casting samples

摘要

A method of fluxing an oxide sample includes placing the sample in a crucible which has a central axis and a bottom, and heating the crucible and thus the oxide sample. A motion is applied to the crucible whereby the central axis moves to describe a conical surface with an apex on the central axis and spaced from the bottom of the crucible by a distance equal to or less than the crucible height. The crucible itself is restrained against rotation about its own axis.