Speed and energy efficiency for metal production, transformation and processing
Electrothermal processes are the basis of numerous metallurgical processes. Arc furnaces are used to produce steel while induction ovens as crucible furnaces and channel furnaces* are mainly used for melting in the first, and temperature maintenance in the second case. In the field of steel heat treatments, induction heating is used in the first stage of hardening: the penetration thickness of the induced currents can be controlled to heat the desired material portion. It can also be used to heat components before extrusion or hot forging processes to facilitate processing. The key parameter to control the thickness of material heated is the frequency: higher the frequency, lower the thickness heated. Material characteristics have a significant impact on the time needed and the final results too.
