Induction heating is a highly efficient and safe method for heat treating metals. In the demanding field of bridge construction, it is particularly valuable for preheating parts. Applying uniform heat before welding or assembly can prevent cracking and reduce residual stress, ensuring the structural integrity and longevity of critical bridge components like steel girders and trunnion shafts. This case study illustrates how a leading structural steel fabricator and erector, specializing in the rehabilitation of bridge structures, bridge fabrication and erection, leveraged induction heating technology for a challenging assembly task.
The Business Challenge
As part of a complex bridge replacement project, the company was tasked with determining how to heat a large area for four steel girders being used for a new bascule. The girders required the use of a heating process in order to shrink them to a size that would allow a critical component, cooled to a freezing temperature using dry ice and a bath of isopropyl alcohol, to fit around the girder creating an interference fit between the two parts.
The Solution
The company rented two Miller® ProHeat™ 35 liquid-cooled induction systems from Red-D-Arc. In addition, two custom induction heating blankets were also needed to cover the large area of the girders that would be heated. The rental option offered by Red-D-Arc was especially useful for the company as the need for induction heating equipment was specific to this project.
Red-D-Arc’s rental option allowed the company to acquire the equipment they needed on a short-term basis — two months total. When the equipment was delivered, Red-D-Arc specialists provided hands-on support setting it up, on-site training and were available on an ongoing basis to provide additional support and answer questions that came up over the course of the project.
The Result
Teaming up with Red-D-Arc on the project made the process go smoothly for the company and made significant impacts in two notable areas:
- Heating uniformity: using the induction heating allowed for more even heating of the overall structure, reducing the risk of stress cracks
- Efficiency: the set it and forget it method freed up time and cut down on labor hours; a manual process would have required the involvement of several people adding more time and money to the job for the company
Additionally, induction heating was a much safer process to use. Since the heating was being done inside of a shop, a process like flame heating where large volumes of flammables are required along with an open flame, would not have been ideal or likely would not have been approved by engineers.
By leveraging Red-D-Arc’s specialized induction heating knowledge, the company was able to achieve the desired temperature they needed for the girders to create the right fit with the critical component.
Achieve Your Desired Temperature with Heat Treating Equipment from Red-D-Arc
As a leading provider of welding equipment rentals in North America, Red-D-Arc offers a wide range of welding and welding automation equipment as well as other welding-related and specialty products, including heat treatment equipment, power generators and dry ice blasters.
Our commitment to providing up-to-date equipment, excellent service and flexible rental, leasing, or purchase options help you procure the equipment you need in order to meet your project goals efficiently and cost-effectively.
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Contact a Red-D-Arc specialist today to discuss your project needs and find the right heat treating solution for your application.
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