Induction heating is a method of providing fast, consistent heat for manufacturing applications which involve bonding or changing the properties of metals or other electrically-conductive materials. The process relies on induced electrical currents within the material to produce heat.
Typical Induction Heating System
An RF power supply sets alternating current within the coil, creating a magnetic field. Your workpiece is placed in the coil where this field induces eddy currents in the workpiece, generating precise, clean, non-contact heat in the workpiece.
Operating Frequency
The higher the frequency, the shallower the heating in the workpiece.
Magnetic Vs. Non-Magnetic Materials
Due to hysteresis, magnetic materials are heated more readily than non-magnetic, resisting the alternating magnetic field within the induction coil.
Depth of Penetration
Induced current in the workpiece is most intense on the surface, diminishing below the surface; 80% of the heat produced in the part is produced in the outer 'skin'.
Coupling Efficiency
The relationship of the current flow in the workpiece and the distance between the workpiece and the coil is key; 'close' coupling increases the flow of current, increasing the amount of heat produced in the workpiece.
The Importance of Coil Design
The size and shape of the water-cooled copper coil must follow the shape of your workpiece and the variables of your process. The correct heat pattern maximizes the efficiency of heating.
Applied Power
System output determines the relative speed at which the workpiece is heated (a 5kW system heating a workpiece more quickly than a 3kW system).
Your Requirements
Consider the required temperature change, mass, specific heat and electrical properties of the workpiece, the coupling efficiency of the coil design and thermal losses due to convection, radiation and conduction into your fixturing.
NOTE: our Applications Lab Engineers have extensive experience in balancing these variables and are ready to assist you!
Will Induction Work For You?
At our Applications Labs, we constantly evaluate and develop new uses for precision induction heating. We invite you to contact us about sending samples of your parts to our lab for a NO CHARGE evaluation and system recommendation. We may already have a solution for you! Send us your parts, describe your process, tell us what is most important to you, and we will provide you with our best advice. For more information, visit our Applications Laboratory page or send us an e-mail with your questions. We'll look forward to working with you on a precision heating solution!
