Giant induction furnace for space-age applications
When it comes to quality components and materials, nobody ismore demanding than the aeronautics and space industry. So it was a justifiably proud EFD Induction France that recently delivered two 6-meter long, 2.5-meter wide induction furnaces to a major manufacturer of composite materials.
The pride comes not only from constructing these two marvels of modern technology. But also because the furnaces will be used to produce composite materials for such demanding uses as aircraft brake rotors and thermal protective tiles for space vehicles. For Jean-Pierre del Gobbo of EFD Induction France, the giant furnaces are another example of the specialist induction heating skills for which his company is famous. “Indeed,” agrees del Gobbo. “EFD Induction France has an international reputation for pushing the boundaries for induction heating technology. Our work in glass making, optical fibers and plasma are other examples of our specialist knowledge. As for these furnaces, they are being used in more and more challenging applications. That’s because they can withstand critical chemical and thermal conditions.” The giant induction furnace is powered by an EFD Induction 1.5 MW-2 kHz static thyristor frequency converter. The furnace can attain temperatures in excess of 2,000°C in a graphite susceptor chamber under a vacuum or protective low-pressure atmosphere. The manufacturing cycle includes various processes, such as vapor infiltration (for densifying carbon structures) as well as high-temperature graphitization. Says del Gobbo in conclusion: “Induction furnaces such as these are truly impressive to look at. But what’s maybe more impressive is the fact that we handled every aspect of the furnaces’ design, development and construction. They’re a testament to the skills and ingenuity of our employees.”