Induction Heating

Induction heating is the process of heating a metal object by electromagnetic induction, where eddy currents are generated within the metal and resistance leads to Joule heating of the metal. An induction heater (for any process) consists of an electromagnet, through which a high-frequency AC is passed. Heat may also be generated by magnetic hysteresis losses.

Induction heating allows the precision heating of an applicable item, for applications from surface hardening to melting. Often, iron and its alloys respond best to induction heating, due to their ferromagnetic nature. Eddy currents can, however, be generated in any metallic conductor, and magnetic hysteresis can occur in any magnetic material.