Preface

Induction heating is utilized in a large and ever-increasing number of applications. The most prominent of these are billet heating (prior to hot working), heat treating, metals joining, and metal melting. There are also many special uses of induction heating for both nonmetals and metals. Among these uses are curing of coatings, adhesive bonding, semiconductor fabrication, tin reflow, and sintering of powder metallurgy parts.

The objective of this book is to provide an overview of the range of applications of induction heating technology and methods around the special capabilities of which conventional as well as special process heating jobs can be designed. To this end, the book is divided into 12 chapters. Following an introductory chapter in which the history, applications, and advantages of induction heating are overviewed, the theory of induction heating and induction heating circuits are discussed in Chapters 2 and 3. Major equipment considerations in designing induction heating systems (e.g., power supplies, cooling systems) are summarized in Chapters 4 and 5. With this as background, process design and control guidelines and coil geometry for a variety of applications are described in Chapters 6, 7, 8, and 9. The final chapters of the book address materials handling (Chapter 10), special applications (Chapter 11), and economics (Chapter 12).

The book is written at a somewhat basic level and is intended for those who do not necessarily have a background in electrical engineering or process heating. It may be used as an introductory textbook for undergraduate college students as well as a reference for practicing engineers or shop-floor personnel.

The authors wish to express their gratitude to the organizations that made possible the writing and publication of this book. The bulk of the work was sponsored by the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) through its contract with Battelle Columbus Division in establishing a Center for Metals (now, Materials) Fabrication (CMF). The CMF conducts programs that promote the use of efficient electrotechnologies in industry. One of the major objectives of the Center is to encourage the efficient use of electricity for industrial process heating.

Thanks are also due to the publisher, ASM International. ASM has a long history of disseminating information to those in the metals processing industries. The authors appreciate the efforts taken by the ASM staff–in particular, Ms. Sunniva Refsnes–as well as by Ms. Laura Cahill, CMF manager of marketing and communications, in the publication of this book. We would also like to acknowledge the outstanding efforts of Mr. William Carnes, Carnes Publication Services, Inc., and Mr. Craig Kirkpatrick in the production of this book.

A number of the authors' colleagues have made substantial contributions through discussions and comments on the initial drafts of this volume. Chief among these have been G. Bobart, T. Bogan, P. Capolongo, and N. Ross. A number of companies have also supplied photographs used throughout the book; these are acknowledged in the figure captions.

The authors extend a special thanks to Mr. Tom Byrer, CMF director, Mr. Larry Kirkbride, CMF associate director, and Messrs. Les Harry and Bob Jeffress, the EPRI program managers for the project under which this work was conducted. Their ever-present support and encouragement have lightened the task of putting together this volume.

Lastly, the authors express their sincere appreciation to their families and friends, without whose understanding and moral support the writing of this book would not have been possible.