Vacuum induction furnace consists of an air tight water-cooled steel jacket, capable of withstanding the required vacuum for processing. The metal is melted in a crucible housed in a water-cooled induction coil and the furnace is typically lined with suitable refractories. The molten metal may be poured or cast either under vacuum or inert gas environments. Other features of furnace, depending on size may includes tilt & pour mechanisms, casting chambers, sampling ports, mould handling facilities for automated and semi-automated processing and sometimes incorporating vacuum interlock equipments.