Induction heating coils undergo heavy use which can shorten their lifespan. Using FOCO induction coil maintenance is a great way to prolong the life of these valuable tools.
Induction Coil Maintenance Avoids Repairs
FOCO has proudly established itself as one of the leading induction heating coil service providers in the industry today. Our technicians have extensive knowledge and experience on all things regarding inductors, which allows them to provide an excellent level of customer service for each individual client. FOCO strives for high standards when it comes to providing solutions quickly. With just a quick call or email, we will do what it takes to ensure that you receive our services promptly and efficiently without compromising quality for quantity.
Induction coil repair and redesign services include:
- Inspection and testing
- Cleaning of coils, hoses, bus work, and tooling
- Cleaning of quench barrels and contact surfaces
- Tighten tooling
- Inspect and clean power supply
- Address areas showing signs of corrosion
Induction Coil Maintenance Tips
Inductors are fragile. Keep them stored when not in use. If they’re left near the edge of a workspace, they could fall, break, warp, or stop functioning. This is especially true for hand-held brazing tools.
When performing an operation, make sure you always utilize clean water to avoid contamination of the heating element. Heating with inadequate or unclean water will shorten the life span of the coil, so don’t forget to clean it after every use! A buildup of particles on these coils can lead to them shorting out and burning out quickly. Cleaning your coils regularly is an easy way to avoid this issue. Wipe down any dust and dirt using a dry towel followed by some compressed air to remove leftover dust bunnies. And never forget to also give those electrical connection points a once over too – they are one of those parts most likely left untouched but just waiting for debris!
Inspect the insulation between the two copper wires before using it to prevent shorts.
Black splotches on the copper indicate the copper coil have been exposed to extreme heat; it is a dangerous sign. Scrutinize your copper coil to look for discoloration, cracking, and excessive heat, indicated by blue or red coloring on the copper. Clean any slag or metallic chips from the furnace housing, and check for signs of metal melt penetrating the copper coil.
Low flow is sometimes identified by the blackening of copper, in purple-colored tones, on the cooling-return side of the coil. Low water flow may therefore result in a trapped steam vapor inside the inductor coil, leading to a solder joint cracking through the tubing of the manufactured inductor coil or cracking in the copper that reveals a cooling chamber. Therefore, the cooling water should be sourced from a clean water source with 25-micron filtering units placed immediately before entering the inductor coil. In industrial applications, enough current passes through a working coil that water cooling is required; thus, the base set-up contains a water-cooling device.
A coax saver will further protect your coils. It’s a small adapter that connects the coax transformer to the induction coil. Any damage that might occur from overload will happen to the adapter, which is a lot less costly than new coil or transformer.
Follow these tips to preserve your inductors:
- Store them when not in use
- Clean water means a clean outcome
- Wipe and blow out coils after use
- Use a coax saver