Electric Vehicle Induction Heating & Hardening

Over the last decade, there’s been a growing demand for electric vehicles. The high torque produced by Electric Vehicle engines puts powertrain components under extreme stress, leading to subpar functionality or, worse, costly recalls. Improve electric vehicle component performance with support from RDO Induction. Our advanced induction heating equipment boosts the characteristics of materials used for EV parts, helping automakers and their supply chain partners bring long-lasting electric vehicles to market.

Induction heating explained 

Electric Vehicle Induction heating is a fast, precise, and repeatable non-contact method for heating electrically conductive materials. Components are placed within an electrical coil through which alternating magnetic currents are created, thus creating eddy currents in the component to be heated.

As a result, the parts are heated rapidly and can be done so with high reliability and control. There is a wide range of frequencies used in induction heating, which affects the depth of penetration into a workpiece, and the time it takes to reach the desired temperature coincides with the amount of power put into a workpiece.

Uses of induction heating

This versatile process is used in many ways to improve EV part functionality. Examples include altering the physical properties of workpieces, adhesive bonding or curing, and supporting the assembly of two or more parts. These processes in more detail are:

Induction Shrink Fitting

Induction shrink fitting for electric vehicles is a process where an induction heater pre-heats conductive parts, causing expansion, and allows for the insertion or removal of another item. Unlike traditional heat-induced part fitment methods, induction shrink fitting electric vehicle components doesn’t require open flames, and temperatures are easily controllable. Typical applications for induction shrink fitting are: 

  • Bearings
  • Shafts
  • Rotors
  • Stators
  • Cranks
  • Housings
  • Pulleys
  • Connectors

Induction Curing

The process of using induction heating to cure bonding adhesives to conductive materials. Electric vehicle induction curing is an efficient, reliable method of improving adhesives and sealants for car components such as doors, hoods, fenders, rearview mirrors, and magnets, curing powder coating on stators. Common applications for induction curing are: 

  • Powder Coat
  • Adhesives
  • Varnish
  • Wax
  • Paint

Induction Hardening

A heat-treatment process that enhances the mechanical properties of conductive materials. The hardened area improves strength and resistance to wear and fatigue. Induction hardening electric vehicle parts is a great way to combat the stresses of high torque. Typical components that can benefit from induction hardening are: 

  • Main Shafts
  • Constant Velocity Joints
  • Steering Rack
  • Steering Gears
  • Pinion Gears
  • Ring Gears
  • Shock Rods
  • Tie Rods
  • Door Impact Beams
  • Hubs

Benefits of induction heating for EV applications 

Induction heating is a process with a short duration due to rapid heat generation. Localized areas of a workpiece can be heated selectively, and no distortion occurs. Here are other advantages of electric vehicle induction heating.

  • Fast Process
  • High Efficiency
  • Improved Control
  • Clean Method
  • Cost-Effective
  • Precise
  • Repeatable 

One of the primary attractions of EV ownership is environmental friendliness. With induction heating, workpieces are heated directly and no fuel substances are used. There’s no thermal or air pollution, making it a green process. 

Your induction heating process partner

RDO Induction has been meeting the induction heating needs of the automobile industry since 1989. Our advanced production capabilities, unwavering customer service, fast turnaround time, and quality-first approach make us a leading manufacturer of induction heating equipment for demanding industrial use. 

We offer heat induction equipment with an output power of 1kW to 500kW and frequency ranges 1kHz to 2 MHz. Our automobile industry-specific heat induction product line includes: 

  • Durapower
  • Model LFI-HFI
  • Model HU Series
  • Sinus Induction Generators
  • Infrared Temperature Controller 

Bespoke electric vehicle induction heating solutions 

Since EV technologies are constantly changing, standard machinery isn’t always best. RDO Induction specializes in the design of custom heat induction equipment for innovative electric vehicle applications. 

With an in-house laboratory for research, design, and testing, RDO Induction can develop solutions for challenging problems. We can also produce custom power supplies and industrial heating machines to meet customer-specific requirements. 

Your EV heating partner 

As technology and manufacturability improve, demand for electric vehicles is expected to rise. Optimize EV parts production capabilities with induction heating equipment from RDO Induction. 

Contact us for more information about electric vehicle induction heating equipment. Our experts are happy to discuss your needs further. 

Click here to Contact Us or call us at 908.835.7222