Induction heating with structural feedback

Important results from the project

The overall goal of the project is to determine how the information from an induction coil can be used to assess and control the structural properties of materials. Based on the results that have emerged, we can say with certainty that the proposed measurement method will work. We can see that the connection between electromagnetic properties and material structure is strong.

Expected long term effects

Being able to make full use of a material´s potential properties and be able to do this in a resource- and energy-efficient way, will be a key technology for the future. Quality control at an early stage allows the manufacturer to make smarter choices in how the process is to be managed to achieve the intended final product. The project´s results shows that this is possible, but the method needs to be further developed. The process generates lots of in-line structural data that can later be used for traceability and to train the system, so-called. machine learning.

Approach and implementation

The tempering attempts consist of curing several samples that are inserted into a preheated oven. The samples are taken at specified times, and then cooled down. By interrupting the heat treatment at different times, you get different properties, which will be analyzed by conventional methods. In parallel, relevant electromagnetic properties are measured on a toroid wound with a high temperature cable. The experimental setup is primarily suitable for laboratory studies and has been used to verify the method. Another design is required for industrial in-line processes.