Annealing Copper Wire Connectors

Objective

A company in the business of annealing copper wire connectors contacted THE LAB at Ambrell to develop a solution for their annealing application. The process involved heating different crimp contacts.

More annealing application notes

Evaluation

THE LAB determined that an EASYHEAT^TM 3.5 kW induction heating system with a pancake coil specifically designed for this annealing application would be the optimal solution.

Initial tests were conducted to optimize the power delivered to the part during the copper annealing process. Temperature indicating paint was then applied to the part, which dissolves when the part reaches target temperature. It was observed that it took 0.5 seconds to heat the sample to temperature. This heating was sufficient to heat the smaller two samples at the desired rate. The plated samples were heated to a slightly lower temperature than 1400 °F (760 °C) as the plating was damaged at 1400 °F. The feasibility of this application was confirmed through application testing.

Solution

Induction from Ambrell proved to be the ideal heating method for this application for a number of reasons. First, heating took less than one second, which will result in additional throughput for the client. Additionally, induction is consistent so the client will get the same result each time. Repeatability also boosts quality. Finally, the expertise of THE LAB with our free induction heating application testing was important to the client, as they could make the investment with peace of mind.

If you have an application, you'll want to take advantage of free applications testing, including our convenient Remote Lab Service.