Induction Furnace, Extrusion Press, and Method

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This patent describes an induction furnace designed to efficiently heat metal workpieces (such as billets for extrusion) to high temperatures (400°C to 1100°C) using a system of permanent magnets arranged around an interior chamber. The furnace creates heating by producing a relative rotational movement between the workpiece (held centrally) and the surrounding permanent magnets, thus inducing eddy currents in the metal. The system includes advanced thermal and magnetic shielding to protect components, and it can be integrated into industrial extrusion presses for streamlined pre-heating before metal forming operations. The overall design focuses on minimizing energy consumption while providing precise and effective heating.

Use CasesContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Pre-heating metal billets prior to extrusion in industrial manufacturing (e.g. aluminum window frame or tubing production).
• Heat treatment processes for metals, such as hardening steel components using induction heating.
• Metal forming workflows requiring rapid and efficient heating of metal rods, cylinders, or billets.
• Manufacturing plants seeking energy-efficient solutions for thermal processing of non-ferrous metals (e.g. aluminum, copper, brass).
• Applications requiring controlled, oxidation-minimized heating via inert gas or vacuum environments before further processing.

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Significant reduction in energy consumption by using permanent magnets and optimized relative movement instead of conventional coil-based induction heating.
• Improved control over heating rates and final temperatures, supporting consistent product quality.
• Enhanced safety and durability via advanced thermal and magnetic shielding, which protects sensitive parts from overheating and stray magnetic fields.
• Reduced equipment footprint and simplified technical requirements compared to systems relying on superconducting coils or complex active cooling.
• Capability to operate in inert gas or vacuum for high-quality surface finishes, minimizing oxidation of heated parts.

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Inventors & Applicants

Patent Abstract

The invention relates to an induction furnace for heating a workpiece consisting of metal, in particular to temperatures between 400°C and 1100°C, for industrial applications. The invention also relates to an extrusion press comprising an induction furnace and also to a method for heating a workpiece with the induction furnace. The object of the invention is to heat a workpiece with little expenditure of energy. To achieve the object, an induction furnace comprises a plurality of permanent magnets for generating a magnetic field in an interior space. There is a holding device, by which a workpiece can be held in the interior space for heating. There is a drive, preferably with a controllable speed, for producing a relative movement between the holding device and the permanent magnets.