Heat smart, weld strong: Red-D-Arc induction heating outshines traditional methods

Induction heating is the recommended way to preheat steel in structural welding.

Red-D-Arc Welderentals supplies a complete range of welding equipment, including options for induction heating. This technique is recommended for preheating steel in structural welding, making the application safer and more efficient. This scenario is a common part of the construction of buildings, power plants, bridges, and other infrastructure.

Workers can alleviate issues that could come up later by using induction heating for preheating steel in the most efficient way.

The more modern approach

The traditional method of preheating steel in structural welding is flame heating. Although effective and advantageous in certain situations, flame heating has high operational costs and poses considerable health and safety hazards; it can also potentially destroy the base material, as it requires extremely high temperatures. Every structural-welding project is different, so businesses should understand all aspects of a specific task before deciding on a preheating technique to use.

Induction heating is the more modern approach to preheat and post-weld heat treatment and maintaining weld temperature. Although it is conventionally limited to magnetic base materials, induction heating can yield substantial savings and advantages over flame heating. A power source supplies alternating current through an induction heating cable coiled around a magnetic material; the coil generates an alternating magnetic field, reversing directions when the current switches direction. This creates an Electromagnetic Frequency heating effect, in which the part becomes its own heating element and heats from within, boosting efficiency.

A major benefit of induction heating is the lower risk of destroying base material, as it is a more controlled process that allows welders with varying skill levels to heat parts up to the desired temperature successfully. In addition, the equipment is easier to set up with preheat blankets or flexible heating cables, and it heats material quickly. And induction heating enables uniformity and quality, offering the highest degree of temperature control across the heat-affected zone while minimizing hot spots.

Customers have access to a full selection of induction-heating solutions, including accessories, available for rent, lease, or purchase from Red-D-Arc. Examples include the Miller ProHeat 35 Induction Heater and the Miller ArcReach Induction Heater.

For more information, contact Red-D-Arc.

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