The technique of copper smelting has been around for thousands of years, and copper smelting technology has improved and evolved over time. Copper smelting is the process of transforming copper ore into pure copper that can be used in a wide variety of products. During this process, impurities are removed from the ore and a pure copper alloy is produced. Many different techniques are used to carry out copper smelting and the most commonly used method is referred to as ‘blowing and smelting’.
The blowing and smelting process begins with heating up copper ore to about 1,000 degrees Celsius. The heated copper ore then needs to be melted and poured into a ladle. Impurities are removed from the ore during this process, before the molten copper is poured into a sand mould. A blast of air is then directed through the sand mould in order to cool the copper down. This process is known as ‘blowing’ and it results in the production of strong, pure copper rods.
In order to turn the copper rods into usable copper pieces, a skilled worker is required to dig out the sand mould and then saw the rods into usable pieces. The pieces are then heated in a furnace until they take on a deep red colour. The red colour indicates that the copper has been molten and is ready to be cast into a variety of shapes and sizes.
Although the blowing and smelting process is an essential part of transforming copper ore into usable products, it cannot be completed without a skilled smelter or metalworker. This individual must be able to successfully manage the temperature of the furnace, know how to cast the molten copper into a desired shape, and understand how to craft the pieces into usable products.
Another technique used in copper smelting is re-melting. This involves melting down previously-formed copper pieces in order to create a uniform composition. Re-melting also enables metalworkers to create products of a much higher purity than can be achieved with the blowing and smelting process.
The copper smelting process is a complicated one, requiring the expertise of a skilled metalworker and close attention to the temperature of the furnace to ensure that the metal is properly melted. Once the metal is molten, a variety of techniques can be used to create the desired shape and size of the product. The blowing and smelting process also enables metalworkers to create high-purity copper products that can be used in a wide range of applications.
