Induction Equipment: Applications and Advantages

They are electrical systems capable of applying heat in a localized, precise and controlled manner to one or more areas of the bodywork.

Currently, induction heating equipment is being widely disseminated and marketed by manufacturers. It is an  electrical machine capable of applying heat in a localized, precise and controlled manner  to one or more areas of the bodywork.

The heating is obtained through a physical phenomenon of induction in which the heat is produced by means of high-frequency magnetic fields generated by an alternating current power supply. Said more precisely, the power supply sends the alternating current to a coil integrated in the heating inductor element so that an electromagnetic field is created in its surroundings and the heating of the metal occurs thanks to the electrical conductive capacity that the element presents metallic material.

Induction equipment applications

The use of magnetic induction equipment is only valid for work on ferrous metals, that is, steel bodies. And it is that aluminum has greater heat dissipation, that is, it tends to cool down before.

In general and without attending to peculiarities, the main applications of these machines are:

• Detachment of body elements such as moldings, logos, stickers, glued windows, etc.
• Heating of coatings such as anti-gravel coatings to remove them easily.
• Heating of screws, bolts, injectors, etc.  to unlock them and be able to unscrew them.
• Undenting of small deformations such as those generated by hail.

Advantage

It is a tool capable of fulfilling various functions, which stands out for its versatility. This feature simplifies the equipment needed in a body shop and a induction melting furnace supplier can provide it.

Other advantages offered by induction equipment are:

• They are small-sized equipment that hardly takes up space.
• The heating is generated in the metal itself and quickly.
• It is a localized heating, precise and less annoying for the operators.  The equipment has inducers or blocks that act only on the area where it is placed.
• The control unit of this equipment has regulators that allow effective control of the heat supplied  to the piece, increasing the effectiveness of the intervention.

It does not damage the components attached to the parts on which it acts. Thanks to this, it reduces intervention times derived from disassembly operations.

It allows a cleaner disassembly process of the windows or glued components (moldings, logos, etc.) since it eliminates the need to insert tools or sharp components that can cause damage to the trim, instrument panels, paint, etc. In addition, it does not dilate the adhesive during peeling operations.

Significantly reduces the risk of dust inhalation resulting from the removal of the chip guard. However, it does increase the inhalation of fumes when heating adhesives.

It facilitates the separation of the asphalt plates placed inside some body panels. Thus, the risk of scratching the protective catachresis is reduced.

It enables the dent removal of small bumps without damaging the paint. This allows reducing the intervention time and maintains the paints applied in the factory.

Some variants incorporate acoustic and optical warning devices like induction power supply to alert the operator that the heat is excessive.

Team Composition

The basic electric induction equipment may vary depending on the manufacturer, although it is generally made up of the AC power supply that integrates a control panel with an on/off switch, a socket to place the hose and one or more inductors (each inductor is intended for a specific application), and a power/time regulator.

On the other hand, the equipment can include or be supplemented with: a drive pedal, other inducers for specific operations, plastic wedges to separate stuck elements without scratching the paint, etc.