More about Induction Heaters

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Induction heaters use an electric current to elevate the temperature in metal components. The induction of electricity into certain metals produces eddy currents, resistance to which causes the material in question to become hot. Eddy currents are circulating electron flows within a conductive material produced when that conductor is passed through a non-uniform magnetic field. In an induction heater, they are generated by an AC-powered electromagnet.

Induction heaters are used for a variety of applications, including cookware, welding, and metal melting and treatment. The melting of metal by induction heating is performed by induction furnaces. These devices are widely used because they provide an easily controlled environment and offer rapid melting rates. They are manufactured in two general varieties: low- and high-frequency. Low frequency induction furnaces utilize a current carrying coil, through which a channel of molten metal is passed, creating a second coil for the current to travel. This heats any additional metal extremely quickly, and allows for relatively easy temperature maintenance. High-frequency furnaces use a water cooled copper coil that surrounds a central crucible. As high-frequency electric current is sent through the coil, it generates an alternating magnetic field, thereby producing eddy currents in the metal within the crucible. These types of furnaces are effective for large batches of metal and are used for a variety of alloys.

Induction cookers use a current driven coil to heat ferrous metal cookware. However, these cookers cannot be used for glass or copper cooking pans, as the coil will not produce the desired effect in non-ferrous materials. Induction welding operations also use electromagnetic induction, but typically on a smaller area. Like other induction heating techniques, it is effective on ferrous materials, although plastics can be doped with various compounds in order to undergo the induction welding process.