Heating Steel Cutting Tools for Carbide Removal

A client contacted THE LAB at Ambrell because they needed to heat magnetic steel cutting tools with carbide tips for a carbide removal application. They had some different sized tools that required carbide removal, so versatility was important to them. A custom-designed single position multiple-turn helical coil was built to generate the required heating for the application. It also was capable of heating their range of different sized parts.

Initial tests were conducted to optimize the power delivered to the part. An Ambrell EASYHEAT^TM 9 kW induction heating system was used for this application. Temperature indicating paint was applied to the part, which dissolves when the part reaches the target temperature. It took one minute to heat the sample to temperature. This met the client's objective, and the application proved viable with the coil designed for their range of cutting tools. 

Induction offers a number of benefits for carbide removal applications such as this one. First, induction heating is fast and highly repeatable, so removal can occur as quickly as possible. Additionally, induction is also energy efficient which results in cost savings, plus there is no open flame introduced into the work environment. Finally, induction, particularly the EASYHEAT, requires little space and has a workhead that can be placed a distance from the power supply. 

Ambrell offers induction heating expertise based on over 30 years of industry experience. We encourage you to fill out a lab service request form so the experts at THE LAB at Ambrell can test your application and recommend a solution for your manufacturing process.