Induction Materials
Induction can be used in a variety of materials. The long list of materials would not fit under this sub-page. But, important factors to consider in determining is induction can be used is the material magnetic, metal, thick, and the resistivity of the product. Other factors to consider is the design of the inductor, the capacity of power supply and the amount of temperature change required for the process.
Important components of inducted parts are either its metal and plastic. Induction heating normally works with conductive metals, but can be used with plastic and non-conductive materials. Nonmetal materials can be heated by heating a conductive metal which transfers the heat to non-conductive material. Materials also should be identified as magnetic or not. Magnetic materials are easier to heat and can also produce heat. Nonmagnetic materials are harder to heat and don’t produce volumes of heat. Thick materials take longer than think materials. This is due to the heat penetrating the surface and taking longer to reach the middle. Resistivity is related to how much electrical energy can move through the material. Steel strongly resists electricity and allows heat to build up quickly. Low resistive materials like cooper and brass take longer to heat up. Resistivity increases the temperature and how long the material needs to be heated.
Because of the various materials and their characteristics, that can be inducted the design of the inductor can vary. Induction design must provide proper heating patterns for the part, and maximize the induction heating that a power supply creates. The amount of power supply must be determined by how much energy needs to be transferred to the work pierce. This can depend on the characteristics of the material. Also, the power supply depends on the amount of heat that the material can loose from conduction, convection, and radiation. The degree of induction change relies of the efficiency of the induction. A range of temperatures can be changed but relies on the heating power. The higher the heating power is the increase in temperature changes.