What Are The Benefits of Bearing Induction Heaters?
One of the objectives of proper bearing installation is to achieve radial retention of the bearing rings on their respective seats. The recommended method for achieving radial retention is to create interference or press-fit between the bearing ring and its seat. The force needed to mount a bearing increases rapidly with bearing size. Because of the mounting pressure required, it is more efficient to use the heating method to mount the bearings. There are different methods to heat the bearings, such as oil baths, open flames, ovens, and induction heaters. Bearing induction heaters are becoming more and more popular in the modern world. A big part of it is safety and environmental regulations.
Advantages of bearing induction heaters:
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Environmentally friendly: no smoke, no open flames, no fumes, no oil waste
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Temperature control. The temperature probe monitors the temperature and turns off the heater when the desired temperature is reached. This feature is essential because overheating will damage your bearing. If the bearing is heated to a temperature greater than 125 °C (257 °F), the material may change metallurgically and produce alterations in diameter or hardness.
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Most modern induction heaters have automatic reheat mode. This means when the set temperature is reached, and the heater is off, the temperature probe is still monitoring the workpiece and has a particular range. When the temperature falls below the allowable range, the heater goes on. This way, it maintains the temperature.
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Faster and evenly distributed heating. An alternating electromagnetic field induces a high current directly in the workpiece, which increases the temperature of the workpiece faster than an oven torch or an oil bath. Ovens and hot plates are used for batch heating of miniature bearings, which is a good technique. However, using ovens and hotplates for larger directions is generally relatively inefficient and time-consuming and can present the operator with significant handling hazards.
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Safety. Only the workpiece is heated during the heating process while the device remains cool. This reduces the chances of a fire in the work area and the operator getting hurt. If the operator is distracted, the heater will turn off after the temperature reaches.
Typical applications for induction heaters are bearings, hubs, sprockets, compression rings, labyrinth rings, sleeves, and joints.
Induction heaters are the modern, efficient and safe way to heat bearings. They are generally faster, cleaner, more controllable, and easier to use than other heating methods.
All these may sound too good to be accurate, and you probably think, what are the trade-offs?
The induction heaters may cost more than the other methods listed above, but the total cost of ownership is often significantly lower in the long term.
Also, check out our article What is Induction Heating and How Does it Work.
Feel free to Contact Us if you have any questions, need more information, or are interested in purchasing an induction heater. HVH is a power transmission distributor doing business in the USA.
HVH is an authorized distributor of Simatec and offers its Simatherm brand.
Vladimir Harutyunyan
Vladimir Harutyunyan is the founder of HVH Industrial. He has masters degree in mechanical engineering and over 10 years of experience in mechanical power transmission field.
Feel free to connect with Vlad on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vladharut
Vladimir Harutyunyan
Vladimir Harutyunyan is the founder of HVH Industrial ...
Feel free to connect with Vlad on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vladharut
