The Big Melt at Magna

The Big Melt is an hourly event at the Magna Science Adventure Centre in Rotherham, England which simulates, in spectacular fashion, the operation of a full scale electric arc furnace used for the melting of steel scrap. The centre was previously the site of the massive, Steel, Peech and Towser steel works. 

Magna offers a wide range of educational exhibits but "The Big Melt" really is the star of the show.  It is accompanied by sound effects, vibration and pyrotechnics and it really is as close to the real thing that one can get without actually melting some steel. The sound and vibration are experienced throughout the centre when the simulation is running, just as it would be in a real steel plant.

 The Magna centre has been given many awards for both its exhibits and its architecture. Many find the converted steel plant building as eye opening as much of the stuff on show. Although aimed at kids it is still of great interest to adults.