A memorandum directing the superintendent of the crucible department to make a particular grade of steel gives him the analysis of what the steel must contain.

From the several bins are selected such materials in composition and quantity as will average up the composition required, and any special alloy material is introduced in the form of a compound. When each kind of material has been weighed out and piled by itself on the charging floor, enough crucibles are set out to hold the entire charge. Each crucible is packed cold with its proportion from each kind of material. Flux may be put in first or may be thrown in over the material when packed in. A little wet sand is plastered around the top edge of the crucible, the lid is put on, and the crucible is then lifted by the tongs, swung from the trolley bar and lowered into the furnace.

Crucibles just poured may be again lowered in the furnace and charged by aid of a funnel.