What Is an Induction Heating Furnace for Forging?

by Luoyang Judian Professional Steel Casting and Rolling Equipment M

An induction heating furnace for forging is mainly used for heating before metal thermoplastic processing (forging, extrusion rolling, etc.) and overall heat treatment of various profiles. Due to the different process requirements, induction furnaces (diathermic furnaces) for forging also have various forms. Today, we will introduce the details to you.

Classification of Induction Heating Furnaces for Forging

1. In terms of heating methods, it can be divided into three types: periodic type, sequential type, and continuous type.

Periodic

One charge is placed in the furnace at a time, and a cold charge is placed after the process is completed and released from the furnace.

Sequential

There are multiple charges in the furnace at the same time. When a new charge is fed into the inlet end, a hot charge that meets the temperature requirements is given out at the outlet end and heated according to a certain rhythm sequence.

Continuous

The charge passes through the furnace at a constant speed to meet the requirements.

2. From the material of the furnace heats, it can be divided into non-magnetic material and magnetic material heating.

Heating of Non-Magnetic Materials

Such as heating aluminum before rolling, copper before forging, steel after being heated to above the curie point by a fuel furnace, etc.

Magnetic Material Heating

Mainly alloy materials based on iron, nickel, and cobalt. Heating of steel with a temperature below the Curie point is common, such as blue brittle cutting of steel, surface anti-oxidation treatment, and induction annealing (low temperature) of materials and machine parts.

The entire process from magnetic to non-magnetic mainly refers to the heating of steel from normal temperature to forging temperature or quenching temperature, the low-temperature section of high-power furnace segmented heating and the low-temperature heating section of steel using dual-frequency heating (in Curie point below the relatively low-frequency band), etc.

3. From the shape of the charge, it can be divided into various structures and shapes such as cylindrical, rectangular cross-section, hollow, plate, strip, and profile.

4. In terms of furnace structure, the induction furnaces for forging can be divided into vertical furnaces and horizontal furnaces. Vertical furnaces are mostly used for heating large and heavy charges and are generally of periodic type.

5. In terms of power supply, the induction furnace for forging can be divided into high frequency, medium frequency, and power frequency. Currently, most of them are medium-frequency. Due to the development of power supply, the number of frequency bands has increased. In order to improve the rationality of heating, the use of dual-frequency and triple-frequency power supply heating has begun to be promoted.

6. In terms of heating methods, induction heating furnaces for forging can be divided into conventional (equal turn pitch coils) and rapid heating (variable turn pitch coils).

Main Advantages of Induction Heating Furnace for Forging

1. Save energy. Generally, the total efficiency (steel) of induction heating furnaces for forging is more than 60%. When used for local heating, the effect will be more obvious compared with other types of heating furnaces.

2. The products produced are of good quality and uniform. Induction heating has good quality due to its fast speed, refined grains, and light oxidation and decarburization. And because it is easy to implement mechanization and automated production, the product performance remains consistent and has good repeatability.

3. The amount of material reserved for processing is small, saving raw materials; the heating performance is good, which can extend the service life of the mold.

4. The equipment has a high level of mechanization and automation, is small in size, and occupies less space, so it is easy to move onto assembly lines and automatic lines.

5. It is a clean energy source with good working conditions, basically no high temperatures, and little environmental pollution.

6. Quick to start and stop, easy to use and maintain.

The Principle of Selecting Induction Heating Furnace for Forging

When choosing an induction forging furnace for forging, the first thing to consider is productivity and energy saving. This mainly depends on the power of the variable frequency power supply, the frequency of the power supply, and the rationality of the inductor design. Whether the power frequency is reasonable or not is directly related to the electrical efficiency of the heating furnace and the quality of the processing technology. The selection of power frequency mainly considers two factors: ensuring electrical efficiency and improving cross-sectional temperature uniformity.

The process requirements are mainly heating temperature, temperature distribution, etc., which depend on the matching of the inductor design impedance and power supply and the level of mechanization and automation.

The induction heating furnace for forging has advanced technical and economic indicators, such as low energy consumption, material saving, low operating costs, good working conditions, etc.; the equipment must have high reliability; it must be easy to use and maintain, and the operation must be safe and reliable.

The correct selection and purchase of a high-quality induction heating furnace for forging is the prerequisite for safe and efficient production. So, when purchasing an induction heating furnace for forging, you should first ask a professional manufacturer for help. Luoyang Judian is a professional manufacturer of induction heating furnaces from China. We are glad to help you.