Evaluating Power Supplies
We've Done the Research
One of our primary concerns as an independent system integrator is always to incorporate the induction heating power supply that best matches our customer's process requirements. Whether we're building a turnkey system for brazing, heat treating, aerospace welding, or a different application, our engineers know that choosing the right power supply will have an enormous impact on the reliability and performance of the overall system.
So over the years, we've researched and evaluated a wide range of induction power supply brands and designs. On the technical side, we've investigated and compared power supply attributes such as robustness, flexibility, delivered power, physical size, control options, frequency range, and power control. We've also looked at commercial factors such as price and value, distribution channels, US presence, and delivery options. Now we are now able to share the results of our research by offering the induction power supplies that we choose to incorporate into our turnkey systems for sale as individual components.
What We've Learned
What you see on paper from the various power supply manufacturers doesn't always line up for an apples-to-apples comparison. We've learned that different manufacturers actually measure power differently, so that two 3kW power supplies from different companies often behave differently when the power is turned on.
Another aspect of power supply performance which varies widely is the power delivered after curie. In some applications, the customer's parts must be heated beyond the curie point–the point at which a magnetic material loses its magnetic properties. In this type of application, we have found a wide variation in actual power delivered among similarly-rated models.
Coil design is crucial to the performance of the power supply and success of the application. Coils can have single or multiple turns; have a helical, round or square shape; or be designed as internal (part inside coil) or external (part adjacent to coil). A well-designed coil provides the proper heating pattern for your part and maximizes the efficiency of the induction heating power supply, while still allowing easy insertion and removal of the part. The wrong coil will simply waste power and jeopardize the success of your heating process.
Rated power, frequency range, and price are all important. However, we've learned from experience that some models work best for brazing, while other models with similar specifications are more suited to heat treating or a different application. So we are firmly convinced that the selection of an induction power supply should primarily be driven by the application for which it will be used. And when you contact us to ask for our recommendation, that's where we'll start.
If All You Need Is a Power Supply.
If your needs dictate the purchase of just an induction power supply instead of a complete turnkey heating system, why not make your purchase from a company that lets you choose from a wide range of brands and designs? We have no inventory to move and no power supply brand to promote. We'd like to learn about your process requirements, and then, based on our own experience, recommend what we think would work best for you.
To get a rough idea of your power supply needs , start with our Power/Frequency Chart. This chart shows the general power and frequency combinations used for popular applications such as brazing, hardening and bonding. By pointing to different areas on the chart, you'll be able to see the wide range of power supplies we can offer for virtually any power/frequency combination.
Once you have a basic idea of the power and frequency range you may need, call us at 585.368.2120 or email us with your requirements. We'll be glad to review your particular needs and suggest the brand and model of power supply we feel will provide the best results.
We look forward to hearing from you!
Turnkey Induction Heating Solutions
