Induction Innovations Inc., the manufacturer of the Mini-Ductor Venom handheld induction heating tool, has issued some useful information highlighting the benefits of induction heat over Oxy-Acetylene equipment in a workshop environment.  

Induction heating is becoming more popular in garages and bodyshops and there are several clear reasons for this.  Induction Innovations say that when considering heat sources technicians should ask some key questions, including:

• Have you, or a colleague, ever caused damage with a torch?
• Does removing parts take up a lot of time and would a new solution make your lives easier?
• Do you regularly have to replace parts that you could have kept?

The question of safety is also key. The use of a torch in a confined space vastly increases the consequential fire risk as plastics, wiring, trim etc. around the part to be removed can catch fire, causing potentially costly damage. Replacing damaged wiring can be very expensive. By contrast, induction heating is a safer, more reliable, flameless heat, created by high frequency magnetic fields, which heat ferrous metals.
As well as safety cost also comes in to play. On average, insurance premiums are 10-30% less if a workshop is not using Oxy-Acetylene, plus there is no gas rental charge.

The productivity benefits of induction are also clear. Flexible coils, supplied with the Mini-Ductor wrap round the nut and heat it in seconds for easy removal. For example, a 19mm nut is heated red hot in just 15 seconds for easy removal. As the flameless heat is localised on the part and not the surrounding area, collateral damage to the part is minimised, so parts can often be re-used.

US company Induction Innovations offers a high performance invisible heating solution, ideal for automotive mechanics. The range includes the user-friendly Mini-Ductor handheld unit (available in 240V, 110V and 12V versions) and the Pro-Max™ 2kw trolley or work bench mounted inverter. The company says these CE marked, easy-to-use tools can cope with a variety of heating needs.

To find out more www.theinductor.co.uk.