Objective
Can you anneal steel wire cloth with induction heating? A manufacturer of metal fabrics and metal wire cloths needs to anneal the wires for a better cut and bend and asked Ultraflex to test the application. The wires should be heated slowly to sufficient annealing without rapid cooling to avoid brittle wires.
Equipment
SH-2/350, 2 kW Induction Heating Power Supply
HS-5W High Frequency Heat Station
Material
• Steel wire cloth
Key Parameters
Temperature: Just above 1472°F (800°C)
Power: 1.6 kW
Rate: .236in/sec to 1472°F (6mm/sec to 800°C)
Voltage: 90 V
Process:
- SH-2/350 Power Supply was used connected to a HS-5W Heat Station.
- The steel wire cloth was placed under the coil.
- The Power Supply was turned on.
- The steel wire cloth is moved manually under the coil for testing. In production the steel cloth will be moved automatically.
Results/Benefits:
Annealing the steel wire clothing with induction heat was successful. Please see the pictures and video for the actual results.
Annealing with induction provides the following benefits:
- Power on demand.
- Rapid heat cycles.
- Elimination of continuous power to large heating area (i.e. oven).
- Cost savings due to reduced power usage.
- Direct heating of the metal and not the ambient air as in convection processes.
- Safer process than open flame methods.
- Improved process control for even heating.
- Uniform heating to a given temperature that is not dependent on operator skill.
Pictures
Video
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