Abstract: Method and apparatus for heating a billet of magnetic metal material to a forging or other elevated processing temperature above the Curie point temperature of the workpiece metal by first inductively preheating the billet in an induction heating coil to a preheat temperature not appreciably higher than the Curie point temperature of the workpiece metal, and then conveying the preheated billet from the induction heating coil into, and post-heating it to the elevated processing temperature within, the heating chamber of a slot-type high efficiency electric radiant heat electric furnace.

Abstract: An induction heating inductor is provided for use in a slot type of furnace to heat axially spaced portions of an elongated workpiece. This inductor includes first and second generally rigid, elongated input members normally fixed with respect to each other and extending generally parallel to the workpiece and a conductor unit extending between the input members to define one of the heating portions and adjustable for changing the position of this heating portion on the workpiece.

Abstract: Apparatus for quench hardening the surface of a previously inductively heated, elongated workpiece as it moves along a feed path, this apparatus comprises a quenching means surrounding the feed path, the quenching means includes an inwardly facing apertured wall facing the feed path, means for forcing a quenching liquid through the apertured wall toward the feed path for quenching the surface of the heated workpiece as it passes along the feed path and means for moving the apertured workpiece in a direction generally transverse to the feed path. In the preferred embodiment, the apertured wall is generally circular and is rotated around the workpiece.