Press Fitting Steel Sleeves with Induction (Shrink Fitting)

Objective

The intent of this application is to shrink fit (press fit) a steel sleeve. The client is a diversified equipment manufacturer and wants to replace an oven with induction heating. Their reasons for doing so include reducing the heating time and saving floor space. 

More Heating Application Notes

Evaluation

A custom-designed multiple-turn helical coil was built to generate the required heating for the application. Initial tests were conducted to optimize the power delivered to the part. Temperature indicating paint was used to determine the heating pattern and the time to temperature. They wanted to beat the current oven heating time of ten minutes per sleeve, which induction easily accomplished, with it being achieved in less than half the time. An Ambrell EASYHEAT 2.4 kW induction heating system was used for the application and was set at a frequency of 220 kHz. 

Solution

THE LAB at Ambrell proved the viability of this shrink fitting application. Induction was able to dramatically reduce the heating time when compared to an oven while also saving on floor space. Energy efficiency is another significant benefit as induction only heats the portion of the part that requires heating and requires no ramp up time. 

THE LAB at Ambrell has considerable experience with shrink fitting applications, which enabled them to deliver a solution that not only met but exceeded the client's requirements. To learn more about free application testing, visit our page about THE LAB to get the process started.