This heater was reconstructed for the Škoda Auto Mladá Boleslav Company (cell #11) and is designed for the induction heating of cross-sectionally round or square billets up to forging temperatures. During its reconstruction, pneumatic, cooling and electrical components were all completely upgraded. The new heater is controlled by a Siemens programmable logic controller (PLC). The re-designed gravitional chute allows for creating a feedstock in front of the pneumatic feed piston. Inductor connections were completed re-designed. This particular change uses a new inductor construction design, which greatly reduces the time needed for inductor change-outs (to about 10 mins). The temperature of each heated piece is measured with a non-contact pyrometer and the time/date stamp and temperature value can be saved to the PLC memory. Furthermore, the heater is installed with a hot billet sorter that re-directs improperly heated pieces (overheated or underheated) to prevent them from continuing on to the press. The operator interfaces with the induction heater using the control panel which includes push-buttons and an interactive PLC display. The heater parameters (desired temperature, power level, temperature ranges, employee login, etc.) are all set on the PLC display. This same display also communicates any faults in the induction heating system to the operator.
Heated Material | magnetic steel | |
Billet Dimensions | Ø D, [mm] | 45 - 60 |
Length l [mm] | 1,2D - 300 | |
Power [kW] | 400 | |
Frequency [kHz] | 1,3 - 4 | |
Maximum Process Capacity [kg/h] | 800 | |
Billet Delivery Temperature [°C] | max. 1250 |