Induction Curing Heating of Organic Coating
Induction Heating is used to cure organic coating such as paint on metallic substrates by generating heat with in the subtract .By this mean curing occurs from within minimizing the tendency for formation of coating defects . A typical is application is drying of paint on sheet metal.
Induction heating of metal parts to adhesive induction curing temperatures is utilized in a many automotive processes, such as the use of thermosetting adhesives to produce clutch plates, brake shoes and auto bumper components. Shafts are typically bonded to the squirrel cage rotors in the manufacture of small motors. In copying machines, plastic components are adhesively bonded to aluminum rotors; a thermoplastic glue is used to hold foam rollers on metal shafts. Once the rollers wear out, the shaft is heated and the foam replaced.
Modern induction heating can solve many of these problems. Heating with induction provides reliable, repeatable, non-contact and energy-efficient heat in a minimal amount of time, so that the curing process can be completed with minimal energy and time. Improved temperature ramping cycles can be achieved with computer control of the solid state power supply. To eliminate extra steps for loading and unloading ovens, induction heat stations can be incorporated into a production line. Finally, induction heating can be performed in extremely clean environments, vacuum conditions or special atmospheres, allowing for unique curing solutions.
Although induction heating is normally used with metals or other conductive materials, plastics and other non-conductive materials can often be heated very effectively by using a conductive metal susceptor to transfer the heat. Typical RF power supplies for induction curing applications range from 4 to 60kW, depending on the parts and application requirements.