Induction Annealing a Weld Seam

Objective

A client had a new process and contacted THE LAB at Ambrell to see if induction heating would be the right solution for annealing their weld seam.  They needed to heat the weld seam of their steel part assembly to 700 °F (371 °C) within seven seconds. THE LAB determined that an Ambrell EKOHEAT 15 kW, 50-150 kHz induction power supply with a custom-designed single position multiple-turn helical coil would be the right solution for their application. 

Evaluation

Initial tests were conducted to optimize the power delivered to the part and to understand the heating patterns achieved. Induction was applied only to the top portion of the weld bead. Temperature indicating paint was applied to evaluate the heating performance. This allowed THE LAB to design the optimal coil for this process, and they were able to confirm feasibility and heat the area to temperature in seven seconds.

Solution

The solution met the client's heating time requirements, while also being an efficient solution as induction only delivers heat where it's needed. It's also a highly repeatable process, so the client will get the same exact result time after time. Finally, given the modest size of the EKOHEAT system and the fact the workhead can be placed away from the power supply, it worked well within the space allotted for the process. 

To learn about other annealing applications tested by THE LAB at Ambrell, visit the annealing applications page. And, if you have an application that could benefit from induction heating, free parts testing from the experts at THE LAB at Ambrell is a great place to start. We offer remote lab service, in-person testing, or you can simply send in your parts, we'll then test them, send a lab report, and return them for your review.