One of the objectives of proper bearing installation is to achieve radial retention of the bearing rings in their seats. The recommended method for achieving radial retention is to create an interference or press fit between the bearing ring and its seat. The force required to mount a bearing increases rapidly with the size of the bearing. Due to the required mounting force, it is more efficient to use the heating method to mount the bearings. There are several methods for heating bearings, such as oil baths, open flames, ovens and induction heaters. Induction heaters for bearings are becoming more and more popular in the modern world. A big part of this is environmental and safety regulations.
Advantages of induction bearing heaters:
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Environmentally friendly: no smoke, no open flames, no fumes, no waste of oil
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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 very important because overheating will damage the bearing. If the bearing is heated above 125°C (257°F), the material may undergo metallurgical changes and produce changes in diameter or hardness.
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Most modern induction heaters have an automatic heating mode. This means that when the set temperature is reached and the heater is turned off, the temperature probe still monitors the workpiece and has a certain range. When the temperature drops below the permissible range, the heater turns on. This way it maintains the temperature.
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Much faster and evenly distributed heating. An alternating electromagnetic field induces a high current directly into the workpiece. This increases the temperature of the part much more quickly than the furnace torch or oil bath. Ovens and heating plates are often used for batch heating of small bearings and this is an acceptable technique. However, for larger bearings, the use of ovens and heating plates is generally quite inefficient and time-consuming and can present significant handling risks to the operator.
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Security. During the heating process, only the workpiece is heated, while the device itself remains cold. This reduces the chances of a fire in the work area and operator injury. If the operator is distracted, the heater will shut off once the temperature is reached.
Typical applications for induction heaters are bearings, hubs, sprockets, compression rings, labyrinth rings, sleeves, couplings.
Induction heaters are the modern, efficient and safe way to heat bearings. In operation, they are generally faster, cleaner, more controllable, and easier to use than other heating methods.
All of this may seem too good to be true and you probably think what are the advantages and disadvantages?
Induction heaters may cost more than the other methods listed above, but in the long run, the total cost of ownership is often significantly lower.
Don't hesitate 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 operating in the United States
