 |
High frequency
induction heating is exceptionally
effective for experimental work,
metallurgical research or small
scale melting. It can quickly melt
ferrous or non-ferrous metals, common
or precious metals, or alloys with
low or high melting points. Conductive
or non-conductive crucibles may
be used, and melting can be performed
in any chosen atmosphere — even
in a vacuum. Induction heating is
also well suited to centrifugal
precision casting, vapor coating
thin films, levitation melting,
and "skull" melting (the
"cold crucible" method).
Plus, induction heating's instantaneous,
localized heat and its ultra-clean,
non-contact method make it ideal
for many specialized applications.
Our expertise and equipment allow
us to provide solutions to a variety
of unique requirements.
Plasma
Torch
Lepel's induction coupled plasma
melting provides the temperatures
vital to scientific research for
high temperature, highly refractory
metallic materials in contained
environments. Induction coupled
plasma produces low gas velocities,
minimizing turbulence during crystal
growth and providing favorable conditions
for chemical reaction. Plasma can
also provide light for spectrographic
analysis without contamination.
Lepel's product line covers the
entire range of equipment necessary
in plasma torch applications. For
smaller torches operating below
the 100 kW level, Lepel offers power
supplies operating at 2.5 to 8 MHz
and higher frequencies. For larger
torches, high frequency (up to 500
kHz) 100% solid-state power supplies
are available with power levels
up to 2000 kW.
Typical applications are powder
metal manufacturing, plasma spray
coating, waste disposal, and high
temperature melting of tungsten,
tantalum, niobium, iridium, molybdenum,
titanium and a variety of ceramics.
Material
Fatigue Testing
Lepel's induction heating technology
easily adapts to standard mechanical
equipment, providing uniform temperatures
over the test section for high temperature
fatigue tests.
Levitation
Melting
Lepel's specially shaped levitation
induction coil melts small quantities
of conducting materials while suspending
them electromagnetically. Induction
levitation offers a quick method
of preparing melts of reactive or
high purity metals without the danger
of crucible contamination. Melting
can be achieved in either vacuum
or inert atmospheres.
Catheter
Tipping
Induction heating allows the edges
of plastic catheters to be rounded,
or tipped, within seconds. Tips
can be formed from 0.018" (26
gauge) to 0.590" (15mm) and
are used to prevent patient discomfort
or injury during insertion.
Getter
Flashing
Getter flashing, used in the manufacture
of all kinds of vacuum tubes, including
CRT and X-ray tubes, is quickly
accomplished through induction heating.
When getter material is heated to
a high temperature, its coating
is vaporized. This process effectively
scavenges any residual gas in the
tube.
Thermoshocking
This process is used in the manufacture
of "squirrel cage" rotors
for induction motors. The rotor,
consisting of aluminum bars and
magnetic steel laminations (core),
is heated to several hundred degrees
Fahrenheit and then quenched in
cold water, thermally shocking the
dissimilar metals. Due to the different
thermal coefficient of expansion,
the metals break away from each
other, thus reducing or eliminating
possible shorts.
|
|
