Exploring the Role of Induction Heating in Various Manufacturing Industries

The U.S. is the world’s number one importer of steel. In 2017, the country imported up to $27 billion worth of steel. With that in mind, it should come as no surprise that induction melting and heating are used in countless manufacturing industries all over the world. Approximately 13% of the world’s steel is used in the automotive industry, and up to 50% of the world’s steel is used for buildings and infrastructure. Aside from those applications, not many people are aware of the other fascinating industries in which induction melting is used. Here are just a few interesting industries where you’ll find numerous induction heating applications.

Aeronautics and Aerospace Industry

Induction heating equipment and processes are often used in the aerospace and aeronautics industries. The frequencies used in induction melting can vary between 50 cycles per second, which is known as mains frequency, and 10,000 cycles per second (high frequency), and these processes are used on machines capable of flight as well as other aeronautic components. Many require a type of highly specialized thermodynamics processing that heat treats various components including bearings, brakes, gears, joints, and shafts.

Wind Turbine Industry

Wind turbines are becoming an increasingly common form of sustainable energy, and their technology wouldn’t be possible without the use of induction melting. Induction heating systems are used to produce durable and high quality parts for various components involved in the wind turbine industry. Gear hardening systems are able to accurately harden only certain areas of wind turbine gear, which creates a strengthening layer that improves wear resistance. Overall, induction heating systems reduce maintenance costs and increase availability when it comes to the wind turbine industry.

Mining and Hand Tools Industries

Finally, induction melting is often used for hand and mining tools. Some of the most essential tools wouldn’t be possible without induction technology — hammers, shovels, wrenches, knives, chisels, drill bits, screwdrivers, gears, and saw blades are just a few examples.

In 2017, world crude steel production reached a total of 1.69 billion tonnes, a 3.9% increase from 2016. Having an understanding of these industries can help you determine how to best meet your induction heating equipment needs. For more information about metal melting furnaces or other induction services and parts, contact Amelt.

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