Induction furnaces are widely used in many applications due to their excellent capabilities in efficiently melting and heating metals, providing accurate temperature control and having relatively simple structures. They are widely used in steelmaking and galvanizing related industries. Induction furnaces can be divided into two main types: medium frequency and high frequency.
Medium frequency induction furnaces are widely used for steelmaking due to their ability to produce high quality steel. The rating of these furnaces are typically in the 2 to 4.5 kW range and their inductors contain copper or aluminum coils that can be arranged in a variety of ways. The frequency is usually between 400 Hz and 800 Hz. Since the higher frequencies are more efficient these furnaces usually operate at the higher end of the range.
The primary benefit of medium frequency induction furnaces is that they can heat large amounts of metal quickly and accurately. This makes them ideal for steelmaking, as this requires a precise temperature that must be maintained during the entire melting process. The speed of heating allows for batch production of steel, making them more economical for steel fabrication. Another benefit of these furnaces is that their design does not require a lot of oxygen, so it is recommended when the atmosphere must be kept free from oxygen.
High frequency induction furnaces run between 600 kHz to 2 MHz. This higher frequency allows them to heat smaller parts such as silver coins or cables. The higher frequencies also allow them to operate at higher power density, so they can be used to heat metals to extremely high temperatures. These furnaces are also more efficient than their medium frequency counterparts.
The art of skilfully using an induction furnace lies in understanding the thermal properties and characteristics of the material that is being heated. The key to this is to use the right power and frequency settings. With the right settings, the induction furnace can achieve the desired results with minimal waste of materials and energy.
In conclusion, it is clear that both medium frequency and high frequency induction furnaces have their own unique characteristics and benefits. The most important thing is to match the appropriate power and frequency to the material being heated. In this way, induction furnaces are an excellent choice for a variety of applications from steelmaking and galvanizing to heat treating small parts.
