Induction Heating & Hardening

Of the various industrial processes involving the use of electric power to create heat, induction heating has become increasingly popular in recent years. This process is preferred for surface hardening, annealing and soldering. In terms of production, economy and environmental considerations, for example, it is vastly superior to others because it makes it possible to improve product quality, to increase production efficiency and to reduce heat and smoke pollution. Depending upon the metallurgical requirement of the work piece, either medium frequency (MF) or high frequency (HF) generators can be used.

Megatherm Machines

The Megatherm Induction-Heating Machine with PLC-Control was developed on the basis of the most recent concept in modern machine tool construction. As a result, users benefit from the many advantages offered by induction heating.

Because the machine can be set up quickly and precisely, it is ideal for both short and medium-sized runs as well as for long runs for work pieces of various sizes. Various automated work stations are available to meet variety heating conditions :-

	Vertical scanner up to 2.5M component.
	Horizontal special scanners.
	Multiple station indexing.
	Heat & Drop quench.
	Mini-Scanner with heat & Drop quench.
	Tailor made machines for special requirements.

The work station is designed on the basis of ergonomic principles and permits:

	Easy operation form a standing or sitting position.
	Pivoting control unit which can be moved to any working position.
	All controls are located on the feed side of the machine.

All controls and instruments for cooling water, quenching medium and the pneumatic system are easily accessible in the machine housing. All programs can be stored on external data carriers. High-frequency generators or Medium-frequency parallel converters can be used as a source of energy.

Salient Features

	Scaling and decarburisation, with associated cleaning or grinding operations are eliminated.
	Sharply localised heating eliminates uncertain stopping off and reduces distortion.
	Accurate repetition of predetermined heating (and quenching) conditions is obtained under automatic control.
	Different types of work can be treated at short notice by changing inductors, work fixtures, and control settings.
	Easy installation in the production flow-line.
	Work is treated in a rapid flow of single pieces and the production rate can be arranged so that it matches the speed of associated operations such as machining etc.
	In selective heat treatment the process may replace a whole series of more costly furnace operations.
	Labour costs and power costs are exceedingly low and production per unit of floor space is high.
	The operator works in clean, comfortable conditions and requires no special skill or training.
	The plant can be switched on and off when required with appreciable heating-up or stand-by power consumption