An induction furnace is a hefty investment that can provide decades of reliable service, and by the lynchpin of many businesses. But along with any piece of heavy equipment, lengthening the service life of your machinery is highly dependent on the maintenance you’re able to provide. If you’re the owner of an indiction melting furnace, here are some regular maintenance checks and services you should be performing on a regular schedule.
Check the Joint Seal
If you use tap or well water as a cooling device in your induction furnace, it’s easy for simpurities and scale to build up on the sides. Over time, this can affect the machine’s ability to cool. Additionally, operating the machine under the heavy temperature demands of summer can make the cooling pipe prone to condensation, which can also affect the fidelity of the joint seal, and too much condensation can shut down your machine. As the water pipe ages and cracks, it’s important that it be swapped out with replacement parts in order maintain the integrity of the cooling process.
Check the Wiring
It’s crucial to regularly inspect the wiring and insulation, both to make sure that insulation hasn’t become compromised, and to clear excessive dust that may accumulate during the melting process. Because of the dust, vibration, and corrosive gases involved in the smelting process, it’s important to regularly inspect the equipment to ensure that these parts are not destroyed, which can cause serious malfunctions with the machine.
Repair Melting Furnace Unit
One slightly more serious repair that should be checked and double-checked often is that of the melting furnace unit. Check and tighten the bolt and nut crimping on each part of the heat induction equipment, especially following periods of very heavy use. If the contact or conductor relay is loose, faulty, or poorly connected, you should keep replacement parts on hand in order to make sure the necessary repairs can be done quickly without accidents or threats of lost time.
Test Rated Voltage and Current
One of the best things you can do to increase the service life of your induction heating equipment is to regularly test the rated voltage and current in order to keep circuitry from becoming exposed. This will not only avoid potentially disastrous repairs, but also will continually ensure the health and safety of equipment operators. Because this machinery is regularly exposed to high temperatures, high pressures, and high currents, it’s crucial to carry out all maintenance and inspection of these parts under the utmost care. Follow recommended safety procedures, and be sure to establish a relationship with a reliable service technician in order to make sure all replacement parts are cared for in an orderly and safe fashion.
The process of steel melting is critical in the manufacture of many goods and services. Performed correctly, and with proper care for maintenance and the selection of replacement parts you can continue to provide a vital service to other industries with your induction furnace for decades to come.
