Induction heaters are commonly used in workshops and garages to heat up individual car components that have been set up, like wheel nuts and bolts. It is a quick and effective way to heat components evenly, precisely and efficiently.
In this blog, we will fully explain exactly what induction heaters are, how induction heaters work and what the benefits of having an induction heater for your garage are.
What are induction heaters?
Induction heaters are devices that use electromagnetic induction to heat conductive materials. They generate heat by creating a magnetic field, which induces electric currents (eddy currents) within the material. These currents produce heat due to the material’s resistance.
Induction heaters are widely used in industrial processes, such as metal hardening, melting, and forging, as well as in domestic applications like induction cook tops. They are known for their energy efficiency, precision, and ability to provide rapid, localised heating without direct contact.
How does induction heating work?
Induction heating works by using electromagnetic induction to generate heat within a conductive material. An alternating current flows through a coil, creating a rapidly changing magnetic field.
When a conductive object is placed within this field, eddy currents are induced in the material. These currents produce heat due to the material’s electrical resistance. Additionally, the skin effect concentrates the currents near the surface, enhancing heating efficiency. This non-contact process is precise, efficient, and ideal for applications like metal forging, welding, and cooking.
How are induction heaters used in garages and workshops?
Induction heaters are essential tools in garages and workshops, offering a safe, efficient, and precise method for heating metal components. These devices use electromagnetic induction to generate heat directly within the metal, eliminating the need for open flames or external heat sources. See some of the most common applications of induction heaters in workshops and garages below.
Removing seized bolts
They are highly effective for removing seized bolts by applying targeted heat directly to the metal. The heat causes the bolt to expand, breaking the rust or corrosion bond that holds it in place. Unlike traditional methods, such as using a torch, induction heating is precise, reducing the risk of damaging surrounding components or materials.
Installing bearings
They are widely used for installing bearings due to their ability to evenly heat the metal without causing damage. By raising the temperature of the bearing, the metal expands slightly, allowing it to fit easily onto a shaft or into a housing without the need for excessive force. This method ensures a precise and secure fit while preventing potential damage caused by hammering or pressing. Induction heating is quick, efficient, and safe, making it a preferred choice for bearing installation in mechanical and industrial applications.
Repairing pipes
Induction heaters are great tools for repairing pipes, offering precise and localised heating to address issues such as loosening frozen or corroded joints, bending pipes, or softening coatings for removal. The targeted heat ensures minimal impact on surrounding materials, reducing the risk of damage to nearby components or insulation.
Removing components and old parts
The heat from induction heaters softens adhesives or expands metal parts, allowing them to be removed with little effort. Induction heating ensures a safer, faster, and cleaner process compared to traditional methods like torches or chemical solvents.
Benefits of Induction heaters for garages and workshops
As well as being excellent for certain applications within workshops, there are many benefits to having an induction heater. Explore all the benefits of induction heaters below and see why you should get one for your workshop or garage.
Precise
Induction heaters are very precise in comparison to other heating tools such as torches. They target specific areas without affecting surrounding components or materials.
Fast
The technology used in induction heaters means that they heat components faster compared to other tools and traditional methods. So if you are looking for a tool which can quickly heat components, an induction heater is for you.
Efficient
Induction heaters are energy efficient because they heat metal components directly through electromagnetic induction, minimising energy loss. Unlike traditional methods, which rely on heating the surrounding air or external tools, induction heaters generate heat only within the target material.
Easy to use
Induction heaters are very easy to use due to their straightforward operation and minimal setup requirements. Most devices feature simple controls, allowing users to adjust the temperature and heating time with precision.
Cost effective
Lastly, they are also quite cost-effective because they minimise energy consumption, reduce downtime, and extend the lifespan of tools and components. Their efficient heating process focuses energy directly on the target material, leading to faster results and lower electricity usage. By eliminating the need for consumables like gas, torches, or chemical solvents, induction heaters also cut recurring expenses.
Explore induction heaters from Pro-Align
If you are looking to buy an induction heater that can benefit your business, look no further than Pro-Align. We have a wide range of induction heaters specifically designed for bolts and more, allowing you to heat conductive materials quickly and precisely. Discover our range of induction heaters below for more information.
You can purchase the induction heaters from our online shop, including the Butterfly 3.5KW, Dragon 300 and Dragon 300 EVO.
FAQs
Do induction heaters use a lot of electricity?
Induction heaters are energy-efficient compared to many other heating methods because they directly heat the object through electromagnetic induction, reducing energy loss. However, the amount of electricity they use depends on the size of the heater, its power rating, and the duration of use.
What is the skin effect in induction heating?
The skin effect in induction heating is the tendency of alternating current (AC) to flow near the surface of a conductor, causing most of the heat generation to occur at the surface. This effect increases with higher frequencies, making it ideal for surface heating applications.
How good are induction heaters?
Induction heaters are highly effective, offering fast, precise, and energy-efficient heating. They are excellent for applications requiring controlled, localised heating, such as in industrial processes or cooking. However, their effectiveness depends on the specific use case and the material being heated.
