Development of an induction heating device for heating shaped blanks

In order to accelerate the heating of blanks for the production of press hardened parts, an induction heating device was developed and integrated into an existing tryout production line within the framework of a cooperation of Volkswagen AG and SMS Elotherm GmbH. This prototypal device enables the investigation of induction heating characteristics in regard to an application in automotive series production. In order to allow the homogeneous heating of shaped blanks to temperatures up to 950 °C, inductors were developed that can be operated in longitudinal as well as in transverse field mode. For the purpose of minimizing overheating of edges, the inductors can be positioned dynamically. In tests already performed, the usage of a longitudinal field induction heating enables a time saving of about 50 % compared to a conventional furnace heating.