Induction Heating Equipment

The simplest method of creating induction heating is to place a conductor of electricity, such as a coil of wire, in the force field of a magnet or magnetized object. In commercial applications, induction heating equipment requires an inductor (a coil of wire is often used), an induction heating power supply that transmits alternating current through the coil (which creates a magnetic field), and an air or water-cooling apparatus.

Unlike other heating methods, induction heating needs no contact between the workpiece and the heating equipment. When the workpiece is placed within the magnetic force field, eddy currents are created inside the part. Eddies have circular motions, like whirlpools. Heat is generated, but in a specific and exact area. The precision of induction heating equipment is one of the reasons for its increasing selection by business for use in induction brazing and soldering.

Induction Coil

The induction coil is one of the most important components of this heating system. Regardless of size, these coils are made of copper because it is an extremely good conductor of heat and electricity. Coils are customized to serve a particular purpose. They can be very tiny for precise heating of very small parts, or quite large for use in pipe heating.

Automation

Precision gives induction heating an enormous advantage over other heating processes, such as furnaces or blow torches. Because induction heating equipment produces identically heated workpieces, induction may reduce or eliminate the requirement of skilled operators. The repeatability and consistency of the process make it highly compatible with automation.