Applications for Induction Heating
Induction heating is used for an ever-widening range of industrial and scientific applications: material joining processes such as brazing, soldering and curing; material processing applications including hardening, annealing and melting; and component assembly applications such as epoxy bonding and heat staking metal into plastic. Our engineers have also applied the technology for catheter tipping, hot heading and other component manufacturing processes.
In our Applications Laboratory, we are always evaluating new uses for induction heating by evaluating part samples and analyzing process requirements submitted by our customers. Follow the direct links below to view many of the lab reports prepared by our engineers.
Annealing
Annealing and tempering processes are used to soften metal for improved ductility and machinability, as well as to relieve residual stress. In contrast to hardening, annealing involves a much slower heating step followed by gradual cooling of the metal. Tempering refers to a reheating and slow cooling of metal which has become too brittle as a result of a hardening process.
Lab Reports
Annealing Incoloy Tubing: 2000°F, 1.4 inches/second
Annealing Steel Regulator Bases for a Fuel Injection System: 15 sec, 1950°F
Bonding
Flexible, epoxy-based gaskets can be bonded to metal or other conductive material without a third bonding agent. Our Epoxy Bonding Systems are ideal for this application. Induction heating has been used for bonding gaskets to metal automotive parts, thermoplastic composite bonding, and rubber washer/bumper assemblies.
Lab Report
Bonding Rubber Gaskets to a Steel Intake Manifold: 6 sec, 350°F
Brazing
Brazing is the process of joining two or more pieces of metal or ceramic material with a molten filler metal such as silver, aluminum alloy or copper. Brazing requires a higher temperature than soldering but produces a very strong bond which withstands shock, vibration and temperature change. Brazed joints are both liquid- and gas-tight and provide good electrical conductivity. An induction brazing system quickly delivers highly localized heat to minimize part warpage and distortion. Brazing in a controlled vacuum or in an inert protective atmosphere can significantly improve overall part quality and eliminate costly part cleaning procedures.
Please visit The Brazing Guide section of our website for in-depth information about brazing processes, materials, filler metals and equipment.
Brazing Stainless Steel Tubes: 20 seconds, 1330°F
Brazing Stainless Steel Orthodontic Parts: 1 second, 1300°F
Brazing Hydraulic Hose Assemblies: 7 seconds, 2200°F
Brazing Metering Plates to Turbine Blades With Nickel: 5 minutes, 2000°F
Brazing Copper Tube Assemblies: 45 seconds, 1450°F
Brazing Stainless Steel to Brass: 7 seconds, 1325°F
Brazing Stainless Steel to Titanium: 80 seconds, 2000°F
Brazing Stainless Steel Dental Tools: 10 seconds, 1400°F
Fusing Nickel-Based Alloys to Steel
This application involves heating a steel boiler tube assembly to fuse a nickel-based, hard-surfacing alloy which has been applied as a spray. The tube is coated with the alloy to provide corrosion resistance during use; wear-resistant nickel alloys are applied to new parts where wear or corrosion is anticipated, or to worn parts to replace metal lost through wear or corrosion.
Lab Report
Fusing Nickel-Based Alloys To Steel: 1ft/min, 1850°F
Heat Staking
When one piece of metal is designed to be inserted into a second piece, induction heating can be used to "shrink fit" the two pieces together. The first or larger piece containing the opening is heated to expand the size of the hole. The second piece is then inserted into the opening, and as the first piece cools and shrinks back to its original size, the resulting pressure holds the two pieces together in a strong bond. A press-fitting procedure applies a physical force during the cooling process to make the bond even stronger or shorten the cycle time.
Heat Staking A Threaded Brass Electrical Connector:10 sec, 500°F
Heat Setting
This medical application involves heating nitinol stents to set proper size. The stents are slid over a correctly-sized mandrel, to which induction heating is then applied. Precise temperature control is required for this process.
Lab Report
Heat Setting Nitinol Medical Stents: 3 minutes, 510°C
Pre-Tinning
Induction heating can be used to quickly pre-tin solder paste in a copper electrical connector. With the right combination of induction coil and temperature, the solder paste can be melted within 10 seconds.
Lab Report
Pre-Tinning Solder In A Copper Electrical Connector: 10 sec, 390°F
Soldering/Desoldering
Induction soldering is similar to induction brazing, but soldering is done at a lower temperature and the bond strength is not quite as high. One unusual application involves desoldering and removing a stainless steel lid which had previously been soldered to a stainless steel box.
Lab Report
Desoldering a Steel Lid From a Steel Box: 4 minutes, 400°F
Susceptor Heating
A susceptor is a conductive metal material that is used to transfer heat to another piece of metal or non-conductive material. Susceptors are often made from graphite because it is highly resistive and very machinable, or alternatively from stainless steel, aluminum, or other materials.
Lab Reports
Heating An Inconel Susceptor for a Jet Fan Blade: 1 minute, 1950°F
Heating A Graphite Susceptor Boat: 7 minutes, 1200°F
Pre-Heating for Welding
Induction heating can be used very effectively to preheat conductive materials for forging, welding, hot forming and hot heading. For example, the tips of turbine engine blades can be placed in a specially designed induction coil and heated to the desired temperature for welding repairs. The process is easily handled in an atmospheric glove box filled with argon or other inert gases. The induction preheating step improves cycle time and reduces stress on the rest of the blade.
Lab Report
Pre-Heating Engine Turbine Blades For Welding: 5 minutes, 1800°F
Turnkey Induction Heating Solutions
