A client from the automotive industry wanted to assess moving from torches to induction for a preheating for welding application. Their primary reason for evaluating switching to induction was speed of heating. With a torch, heating took 20 minutes and they figured induction could dramatically improve that metric and in turn increase throughput.
The application involved heating magnetic steel castings and rods. THE LAB determined that an Ambrell EKOHEATⓇ 20 kW, 15-40 kHz induction heating power supply with a custom-designed single position multiple-turn helical coil would be the right system for this application. Testing confirmed the parts absorbed heat very well, and the heating time was just three minutes.
When switching from a torch, Ambrell induction heating offers several benefits:
- Speed: In this case, the heating time dropped from 20 minutes to 3 minutes. This, of course, can help dramatically increase production.
- Repeatability: With induction heating, the client can expect the same result every time. Torch heating is generally very dependent on operator skill. Consequently, induction can enhance consistency and ultimately quality.
- Safety/Work Environment: With induction there is no open flame and with induction’s instant on/off capabilities, it introduces less heat into the work environment.
- Lab Expertise: When making a switch, it's important to be sure you have a knowledgeable team behind you that can ensure the application will work well and meet your expectations. That is always the objective of THE LAB's expert application engineers.
Visit our heating applications page to see a variety of application notes including additional notes on preheating before welding. And, if you have an application you'd like assessed, contact THE LAB to take advantage of complimentary induction heating application testing from our team of induction application experts.
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