How does induction heating work exactly?
Simple explanation; The Miller ProHeat 35 Induction Heating System heats metal from the inside out, by generating “eddy” currents throughout the steel. This is done by a process of changing polarity thousands of times per second.
What applications can really benefit from induction heating systems?
Preheating of Welds
Post-Weld Heat Treatment and Hydrogen Bake-out
Coating Removal
Shrink fit Application or Removal by expansion
What is the most unique application you have seen an induction heating system used for?
Shrink fitting the rail tire on the axle for the Fort Edmonton Park steam train.
We had to expand the Steel, 4“ thick by 48” diameter tire by 1/8” in Diameter to set the axle in and let cool to have a perfect interference fit. It saved hours in preheat time compared to the traditional propane "ring of fire" method.
Are there different applications for the air-cooled vs. the liquid-cooled systems?
Pre-heat with the use of air cooled blankets for temperatures up to 400 degrees F, used on pipe from 8.625” to 60” diameter, or flat plate with blanket covering 13.1”W x 40”L to 7.5” W to 197” L.
Pre-heat, hydrogen bake-out and post weld heat treatment applications are done with liquid cooled coils, with temperatures up to 1400 degrees F.
Because the liquid cooled coils are flexible, any possible configuration can be designed to cover the dimensions of the steel to be heated. With this process, a digital recorder can be added for quality control purposes.
We now have Rolling Induction systems for preheating pipe in spooling applications which works with the water-cooled systems.
What are the biggest benefits of utilizing Induction Heating?
Safe coils, significantly improving work environment
Heating while welding
Consistent, continuous heat
Quick time-to-Temperature, often minutes vs. hours
Performs at full output for a fraction of the cost
Induction only heats target metal not work space