An introduction to induction heating and its characteristics

The concept of induction heating has been utilized in a number of industrial applications

 and offers a number of advantages as well. But before that it is very necessary to understand what induction heating is all about. It is a way of providing heat to different objects by means of an electromagnetic effect and bond two conductive materials. It has been ages since this concept is being utilized to harden the metals and easily accomplish the manufacturing processes too. Initially this concept was used to harden the metal parts of an engine that was used during the war time. Now the technology has improved thus leading to much advancement in its technique and utility.

Nowadays the induction heating method is quite common and unique too.

The process of heating is induced within the object itself and this is done through high electric currents. Most of the techniques are usually based on the Faraday’s Law, also known as the law of magnetic induction. As per this law, magnetic field is induced when the current is given to the primary transformer while the current is induced only if the secondary transformer is placed in the vicinity of the magnetic field. If one is familiar with this law, it will become really easy to utilize the concept of heat in various industrial applications.

Heating can be conducted only in the case of the metals but it is still possible in the non metals. For this, indirect methods are employed which are simple as well as effective to a great extent. Metals can be brought in contact with nonmetals so that heat is induced within them. Even magnetic materials get heated easily using the concepts of eddy currents. When such materials are heated to a very high temperature, it may lose all its properties and that happens at Curie’s temperature. 

Resistivity is one of the biggest characteristics of induced heating. If you heat two meals of the same size, its results will definitely differ. It is because of the simple reason that metals have different conductivity levels and hence the results can vary. It is important to supply the right amount of heat and power to the metals or the results can be different. The flow of alternating current depends on the magnetic field of the induction heating coil so induction design is also one of the parameters to be considered.  Hence every application requires a subtle combination of various characteristics to reach the results.

Magneto Dielectric Materials

What exactly are magneto dielectric materials? 

To most of the world, this term doesn’t mean much.  To those of us in the realm of induction heating, magneto dielectrics have very important characteristics that apply themselves to a wide range of possibilities.

MagnetoDielectric Materials are evolving as a material class, and rapid progress is being made on improvements and understanding.  The specific properties of electrical resistivity and anisotropy have not been explored enough to allow for wide use of these materials. Research at the Center for Induction Technology has brought to light the possibility of a wide range of applications.

Essentially, magneto dielectrics are magnetic materials that don't conduct electricity.  Fluxtrol material, with enough voltage, could begin to conduct electricity, but then theoretically so will everything. Essentially, magneto dielectrics are magnetic materials that don't conduct electricity.  

There are essentially three groups of magnetic materials that can be used for magnetic flux control: laminations, ferrites, and MagnetoDielectric Materials, or MDMs.  Laminations are limited in manufacturing and frequency, a fact that is well documented.  Ferrites are used sparingly in induction heating due to their low machinability, sensitivity to thermal shock, and a low saturation flux density. 

MagnetoDielectric Materials are very well suited to fit the requirements of a wide range induction heating applications.

For more information on Induction Heating, visit the Center for Induction Technology at www.fluxtrol.com.