Abstract: An apparatus for soldering a terminal to which a solder alloy is attached on window glass for a vehicle, includes a terminal to which the solder alloy is attached; a coil unit including a coil which generates induction heat; a gripper which grips and releases the terminal and is configured to be movable upward and downward relative to the coil unit in a state of gripping the terminal; and a ferrite core unit including a ferrite core which is configured to be surrounded by the coil unit to receive the induction heat, and is configured to be movable upward and downward relative to the coil unit, wherein the solder alloy attached to the terminal, in a state of being in contact with the window glass, is melted by the induction heat from the coil unit and the ferrite core unit such that the terminal is attached to the window glass.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are induction heating cells and methods of using these cells for processing. An induction heating cell may be used for processing (e.g., consolidating and/or curing a composite layup having a non-planar portion. The induction heating cell comprises a caul, configured to position over and conform to this non-planar portion. Furthermore, the cell comprises a mandrel, configured to position over the caul and force the caul again the surface of the feature. The CTE of the caul may be closer to the CTE of the composite layup than to the CTE of the mandrel. As such, the caul isolates the composite layup from the dimensional changes of the mandrel, driven by temperature fluctuations. At the same time, the caul may conform to the surface of the mandrel, which can be used to define the shape and transfer pressure to the non-planar portion.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are induction heating cells and methods of using these cells for processing. An induction heating cell may be used for processing (e.g., consolidating and/or curing a composite layup having a non-planar portion. The induction heating cell comprises a caul, configured to position over and conform to this non-planar portion. Furthermore, the cell comprises a mandrel, configured to position over the caul and force the caul again the surface of the feature. The CTE of the caul may be closer to the CTE of the composite layup than to the CTE of the mandrel. As such, the caul isolates the composite layup from the dimensional changes of the mandrel, driven by temperature fluctuations. At the same time, the caul may conform to the surface of the mandrel, which can be used to define the shape and transfer pressure to the non-planar portion.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are induction heating cells and methods of using these cells for processing. An induction heating cell may be used for processing (e.g., consolidating and/or curing a composite layup having a non-planar portion. The induction heating cell comprises a caul, configured to position over and conform to this non-planar portion. Furthermore, the cell comprises a mandrel, configured to position over the caul and force the caul again the surface of the feature. The CTE of the caul may be closer to the CTE of the composite layup than to the CTE of the mandrel. As such, the caul isolates the composite layup from the dimensional changes of the mandrel, driven by temperature fluctuations. At the same time, the caul may conform to the surface of the mandrel, which can be used to define the shape and transfer pressure to the non-planar portion.

Abstract: A turbine induction temper system. In one embodiment, an induction temper system for a turbine includes: an induction member; a control system operably connected to the induction coil; and a temperature sensor operably connected with the control system, wherein the control system is configured to control an electrical current supplied induction member in response to a temperature indicator about a component of the turbine obtained from the temperature sensor.

Abstract: The invention enhances a cooling effect on a press die for hot press. A lower die includes a first base, a second base mounted on the first base and having an opening in the center, a support table provided in the opening of the second base, and a die portion detachably mounted on the support table and including die pieces. The die portion is divided in die pieces disposed adjoining each other, and cold water pipes are provided in the die pieces respectively. The cold water pipes are bent in a U shape and inserted in the die pieces respectively, and extended downward from the lower ends of the die pieces respectively. The cold water pipes have cooling water injection ends and cooling water ejection ends in a space between the first base and the support table.

Abstract: This disclosure relates generally to removing wire insulation. In an embodiment, a system for heating and removal of wire insulation includes a power supply configured to receive input power and to provide a high frequency power output to an induction coil. The induction coil is to be coupled to the power supply and dimensioned to receive an insulated wire therethrough. The induction coil is also to produce a field based upon the high frequency power output to heat the wire by induction and to condition insulation disposed on an outer surface of the wire for removal.

Abstract: Apparatus and method are provided for an electric induction brazing process in an inert atmosphere using a substantially oxygen-free copper alloy filler or preform under an inert atmosphere within a brazing chamber minimally sized for containment of the brazed joint region and an induction coil. The inert atmosphere may be nitrogen gas supplied from a liquid nitrogen source. For brazing of an open-interior fitting around a hole in a tubular material a nesting area is provided around the hole for seating of the filler or preform and the fitting.

Abstract: Provided is an easy-to-produce, and inexpensive mold heating device for heating a tire mold (M) which houses a green tire (T). The mold heating device is provided with an upper ring member (11) and a lower ring member (12) which are arranged so as to face one other in a specific direction with the space in which the tire mold (M) is disposed therebetween; a plurality of nonmagnetic members (13) which are disposed at a plurality of positions aligned in the circumferential direction of the ring members (11, 12) with spaces therebetween so as to connect the upper ring member (11) and the lower ring member (12); ferromagnetic non-conductive members (14) which are provided on the inner surfaces of the first plate members (13); and a coil (15) which is supported by the first plate members (13) with the second plate members (14) therebetween so as to surround the space where the tire mold (M) is disposed from the outside in the direction perpendicular to the aforementioned specific direction.

Abstract: Preform heating device able to perform a precise and strongly localised heating of the preforms before the blow moulding phase of the plastic bottle or container production process. This device has an innovative construction configuration, thus allowing high efficiency thanks to the significant reduction in the energy required to reach the project temperatures in the heating element in a very rapid way. The inductor does not heat the preform directly, but takes to the temperature set, through the concentration of the magnetic flow, generated by the passage of current, a conductor material of a particular form that, by irradiation and convection, in turn heats the PET.

Abstract: A U-shaped magnetic circuit (2) provided with a field winding (3), including respective induction electrodes (5s, 5i) at an outer end of each arm of the magnetic circuit (2) Both electrodes are perpendicularly arranged as regards the multi-layer printed circuit, coaxially to each other and capable of vertical movement in both directions. The end of each induction electrode (5s, 5i) that comes into contact with the multi-layer printed circuit is provided with a thermal barrier, in order to prevent, during the welding, heat transmission by thermal conductivity from the welding zone to the induction electrode (5s, 5i).

Abstract: Process and machine for manufacturing printed circuit boards wherein a press packet comprised of at least two press plates of metal material between which is arranged a printed circuit board composition formed by one or more metal sheets, by one or more layers of insulating material impregnated with polymerizable resins and/or by one or more printed circuit boards with an engraved image of a circuit, are arranged between the press plates of a press and is pressed, subjecting said press packet to the action of a variable induction magnetic field which generates induced currents in each metal plate and sheet of the press packet, causing the heating of said plates and sheets, in turn causing the heating by thermal conduction of the layers of insulating material, melting and liquefying the resins in said layers of insulating material and adhering the insulating material to the metal sheets, so that, on raising the temperature even more, the polymerizable resins in the layers of insulating material are then polyme

Abstract: A method of forming a vehicle component, particularly an elongated impact beam, having an open section structure, in a manner to provide predetermined strategically strengthened portions, comprising the steps of cold forming unhardened steel into a workpiece having mounting surfaces, selectively fixturing the mounting surfaces, static induction heating the workpiece with lengthwise surface eddy currents on selected portions, followed by quenching of the fixtured heated workpiece to form strengthened portions, and unfixturing the resulting component. Also disclosed is apparatus to accomplish this, and the resulting novel vehicle component.

Abstract: Preform heating device able to perform a precise and strongly localised heating of the preforms before the blow moulding phase of the plastic bottle or container production process. This device has an innovative construction configuration, thus allowing high efficiency thanks to the significant reduction in the energy required to reach the project temperatures in the heating element in a very rapid way. The inductor does not heat the preform directly, but takes to the temperature set, through the concentration of the magnetic flow, generated by the passage of current, a conductor material of a particular form that, by irradiation and convection, in turn heats the PET.

Abstract: An induction heating system for the manufacturing of optical memory microstructure, wherein the thermal cycle allows the process web to be rapidly heated to the relaxation and re-flow temperature, followed by cooling to the optimum separation temperature in under 10 seconds total process time. The rapid response heating system of the present invention may be achieved through the use of one or rotating asymmetrical induction heating coils which are embedded in the platen(s) of the embossing device.

Abstract: A shear-assisted solid state welding method for joining of metal parts, involves a first step of heating opposing surfaces in a non-passivating environment to a temperature in the hot working temperature range of the metal. A second step involves bringing the opposing surfaces into contact while still in the hot working temperature range, and applying compressive stress sufficient to substantially prevent sliding in response to shear displacement, causing plastic flow in the hot layers. A third step involves imposing relative shear displacement of the metal work pieces without disengaging the opposing surfaces. The shear displacement induces plastic shear strain within the hot layers to progressively induce bonding.

Abstract: Electromagnetic (EMF) trimming, flanging and hemming steps are performed at a single workstation in a combined fixture designed to form a hemmed panel assembly, such as a vehicle closure panel. Two or more formed sheets, outer and inner panels, are positioned together for hemming. The panels are clamped and EMF coils are activated to provide EMF force to retain the panels and trim off excess addendum material from the outer panel. The coils are then activated to bend the trimmed edge upward against a flanging member and form a 90 degree flange. Flanging and trimming members are retracted and a coil member positions EMF hemming coils opposite the flange. The hemming coils are then activated and apply EMF force to bend the flange of the outer panel to a 180 degree angle, overlaying the edge of the inner panel and forming a panel assembly having a hemmed edge. Optionally, if needed, the flanging member is then lowered against the flange to assure flatness of the hem.

Abstract: A high frequency induction heater built in an injection mold. The high frequency induction heater has a metal or silicon mold-insert, at least a heating module and at least a thermometer detector. The elements are reasonably fit with the mold-insert utilizing well-defined MEMS technology and UV-LIGA process. The high frequency induction heater is employed to apply a local heat for a microstructure of mold-insert during the micro molding process. By using the high frequency induction heater a fluid mold flow and high aspect ratio replication is achieved.

Abstract: A device for instantly pre-heating dies includes an inductive heating coil disposed between two dies. The inductive heating coil includes a spiral shape for generating high frequency induction heat energy. When the dies are separated by a mechanical arm, the inductive heating coil is disposed between die surfaces of the dies, so that high frequency induction heat can act on a die contact part, to allow the die contact part to be pre-heated instantly. As result, not only its pre-heating efficiency is enhanced, electric energy can also be saved and at the same time, the melted plastic material may be ensured to smoothly flow inside the die contact parts.

Abstract: A heating apparatus includes a coil for generating a magnetic field; a heating element for generating heat by eddy currents generated by the magnetic field; an electroconductive member for generating an electromotive force by a current flowing through the coil; and an electric circuit for generating a voltage by electrical collection from the electroconductive member.

Abstract: A hemming machine for joining an inner sheet metal panel with an outer sheet metal panel comprising: a hemming tool containing an electromagnetic coil positioned to electromagnetically crimp and/or weld the outer sheet metal panel to the inner sheet metal panel, where a backing die positioned outside the inner metallic sheet and the outer metallic sheet opposite the electromagnetic coil.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for single sheet forming using induction heating include a pair of dies defining a die cavity for containing a workpiece, which is inductively heated by an oscillating magnetic field within the die cavity. A susceptor is positioned between the workpiece and one die surface defined by one of the dies. The susceptor is capable of coupling with the oscillating magnetic field to induce a current within the susceptor to heat the susceptor. The susceptor transfers heat to the workpiece. An inlet for pressurized forming fluid injects the fluid between the susceptor and the workpiece to form the workpiece into direct contact with a forming surface defined by one of the dies. The susceptor may be electrically connected to the workpiece to inhibit electrical arcing from the susceptor to adjacent electrically conductive components when current is induced in the susceptor.

Abstract: A susceptor connection system and an associated apparatus and method are provided. The susceptor connection system includes at least one shoe that can be urged against a peripheral edge portion of the susceptors by a compression device. In this regard, each shoe can urge the edge portions of the susceptors together to achieve electrical contact therebetween, e.g., so that an induced current can flow between the susceptors to heat the susceptors and a workpiece. In addition, each shoe can define a passage for circulating a coolant to cool the edge portions and thereby reduce the oxidation and contact resistance between the susceptors.

Abstract: A die liner for use in a die having a die body wherein the die body is configured to form a workpiece. The die liner is a discrete structure that is configured to be used in conjunction with the die body. The die liner defines a forming surface for forming the workpiece and is configured to have at least one characteristic that is different than a corresponding characteristic of the die body such that the die liner increases the durability of the die.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for heat treating a structural member, for example, to relieve stresses therein, are provided. The structural member is restrained in a die cavity by one or more inflatable bladders so that a desired dimensional accuracy is achieved. The structural member can be heated by an electromagnetic field generator, such as an induction coil, that heats one or more susceptors to a characteristic Curie temperature. The apparatus can be used to process structural members of various sizes and shapes, and the heating and cooling cycle can be performed relatively quickly.

Abstract: A single or multilayer smart susceptor for temperature control of part fabrication in an induction processing system generally consists of single layer or laminated layers of ferromagnetic material susceptible to heating by induction. The use of the susceptors in fabrication at elevated temperatures causes oxidation damage to the surface. The susceptor may be coated with a nickel aluminide surface coating to minimize oxidation of the susceptor outer surface.

Abstract: A device and method are described for heat sealing together portions of thermoplastic film, especially in packaging operations. Heat sealing of the films is carried out by applying heat and pressure using one or more inductively heated, moving platen. The platen is heated uniformly in its entirety by passing through electromagnetic induction core.

Abstract: An induction fixing device is provided which uses a magnetic toner for image formation but is easy to reproduce a true image while preventing the toner from being moved even if influenced by a magnetic field generated for induction heating. In the induction heating fixing device of the present invention, a pressure contact area DS, through which a sheet of printing paper having a pattern of a magnetic toner is conveyed with the magnetic toner being fixed to the printing paper under the action of induction heating, is set to be broader than a range in which the magnetic toner receives a force that causes it to move under the influence of a magnetic field generated by an induction heating means 25.

Abstract: A die liner for use in a die having a die body wherein the die body is configured to form a workpiece. The die liner is a discrete structure that is configured to be used in conjunction with the die body. The die liner defines a forming surface for forming the workpiece and is configured to have at least one characteristic that is different than a corresponding characteristic of the die body such that the die liner increases the durability of the die.

Abstract: An induction brazing tool includes a pair of induction coil components each having a linear extension and a semi-circular coil at one end. A distal end of each component remote from the semi-circular coil includes a flange for connecting the tool to an induction brazer. The components are formed of electrical conductive hollow copper tubing. The opposite end of each component includes a flange for bolting the components to one another. Nipples are provided the ends of the coil portions and a flexible hose interconnects the nipples. A braid of electrical conductive material also connects the nipples. In use, the components are opened to form a clamshell configuration, disposed about parts to be brazed and bolted together and to the brazer. By flowing electrical current and cooling water along the tool, a brazed joint is effected.

Abstract: We combine superplastic forming (SPF) with adhesive bonding (AB) to produce quality multisheet sandwich panel structures, especially those using a superplastic aluminum alloy, such as Al 2004, Al 8090, or Al 1570. We produce the parts with improved energy efficiency and at lower cost. We heat the multisheet pack having an adhesive, preferably a polyimide, between the core sheets and the face sheets to its superplastic forming range. Then, we superplastically form the pack to define adhesive bonds between the sheets in the core and between the core and the face sheets with the flowing adhesive. Finally, we cool the formed pack below the superplastic range to set the adhesive.

Abstract: In an induction heating method for a manifold in a hot runner mold, it is possible to uniformly heat a material over the entire length of a runner. Also, a coil is easily attached to and detached from the manifold. The hot runner mold includes a fixed mold and a movable mold, and a space is provided along a side surface of the manifold on which clamping force applied by the fixed mold and the movable mold does not act. A coil is wound to the side surface along an axial line of a runner of the manifold within the space such that the manifold is induction-heated from the side surface.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for conductively bonding at least two conductors together. An inductive coil generates a magnetic field when electrical current is run therethrough. A magnetic concentrator is disposed near the inductive coil and adjacent which the two conductors can be positioned for concentrating the magnetic field on the conductors. The concentrator is independent of the conductors. Pressure is applied to the conductors. The concentrator concentrates the magnetic field generated by the inductive coil on the conductors, thereby heating the conductors under pressure and electrically bonding the conductors together.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming and consolidating organic matrix composites. An organic matrix composite panel comprising laid-up prepregs is placed between sheets of a susceptor material that is susceptible to inductive heating to form a workpiece. The resulting workpiece is placed within upper and lower dies formed of a material that is not susceptible to inductive heating. An induction coil embedded within the dies is energized and inductively heats the susceptor sheets surrounding the panel. The sheets in turn conductively heat the organic matrix composite panel. A pressure zone between the workpiece and one of the dies is pressurized to form the workpiece to the contour of a forming surface on one of the dies. The pressure in the pressure zone is maintained on the workpiece until the organic matrix composite panel is fully consolidated and formed.

Abstract: A vertical diffusion bonding apparatus is provided with a lower block, a pressurizing jig which is fitted to a metal pipe supplied from an upper position, and a pressurizing mechanisms stood erect on the lower block. The lower metal pipe is held by the lower block and the pressurizing jig bonded to the metal pipe is attracted toward the lower block by using the pressurizing mechanisms. Thus, the metal pipe which is supplied from an upper position is pressed against the lower metal pipe.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved induction-heating bender comprising: conveyor means for feeding a workpiece to be bent; a pivot arm having a gripper rotatably fixed at its free end for gripping the workpiece, permitting the gripper to be set at a selected angle relative to the axial line of the pivot arm; an arm support for rotatably holding the pivot arm and for carrying the same toward the workpiece, permitting the pivot arm to be set at a controlled effective pivot-to-gripper distance; and a heating-and-cooling mechanism for induction-heating and softening the workpiece and for cooling the same. The pivot arm has its axial line offset from its pivot. The gripper can be rotatably adjusted in angular position relative to the axis of the pivot arm, thereby permitting the workpiece to be smoothly bent into the spiral or elliptical form. The heating-and-cooling mechanism comprises a plurality of cool compartments for effecting different hardenings for selected parts of workpiece.

Abstract: An induction heating workcell having a fixed solenoid coil heats parts more uniformly by aligning ferrite blocks, generally along the centerline of the coil, to improve uniformity of the magnetic field, magnetic flux, and power density. The blocks are nonconducting but have a high magnetic permeability so that flux prefers to travel through the block over surrounding structure. Therefore, the blocks are flux shapers that produce the desired temperature control.

Abstract: A sheet bar joining apparatus comprises a heater provided between a delivery-side clamp for clamping a rear end of a preceding sheet bar and an entry-side clamp for clamping a front end of a succeeding sheet bar; upper and lower anti-buckling plates provided on the entry-side clamp and located above and below the sheet bars; upper comb tooth portions and lower comb tooth portions formed in the upper and lower anti-buckling plates, respectively; a heat resistant insulator provided at a surface of each comb tooth portion opposed to the sheet bars; and a plurality of groove portions provided near the surface of each comb tooth portion opposed to the sheet bars.

Abstract: A device for heating a press tool (4), which is mounted in a press (3) for manufacturing products wholly or partially of plastic or composite, consists of a core (1) of electric sheet steel, a coil arrangement (9, 10, 11) placed around the core (1), and a voltage source (12). The voltage source (12) is connected to the coil arrangement (9, 10, 11) for generating a magnetic field in and around the core (1). The core (1) has two poles (8a, 8b) which, between themselves, receive the press tool (4) and are displaceable in relation to one another for applying a press force to the press tool (4) and conduct the generated magnetic field into the press tool (4). A press (3) comprises such a heating device and is used in a manufacturing method where the press tool (4) is heated by the magnetic field supplied thereto.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for induction brazing wherein the induction coil's power is controlled by a closed loop temperature controller which is provided a temperature signal from a temperature sensor located proximate the brazed joint. Power is supplied to the induction coil until temperature reaches a specific set point corresponding to the desired brazing temperature of the alloy.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to an apparatus for making a continuous welding joint. A material web (20) formed into a tube (8) is sealed along the longitudinal joint seam in that a joint heater (1), preferably an induction heater, is disposed in parallel along the longitudinal joint seam. The sealing operation takes place continuously in a point (18) where a compression device (2) consisting of a pressure roller (9) and a counter pressure roller (10) is provided. The compression device (2) is interconnected together with the joint heater (1), to form a moving unit which may move vertically up and down in relation to the sealing point (18).

Abstract: An apparatus for welding together two metal sheets (4, 5) includes clamping rails (17, 18; 23, 24) for positionally fixing the sheets (4, 5) each on a table (2, 3), and an induction device movable towards and away from a joint (15) between the metal sheets (4, 5) and along the direction (16) for heating the metal sheets (4, 5) in the joint region (1 5). The induction device displays a first conductor which extends along and adjacent the joint (15). The clamping rails (17, 18; 23, 24) are disposed two (17, 23) at the one sheet (5), and two (18, 24) at the other sheet (4), one on either side of each respective sheet, and along and a slight distance away from the joint (15). The clamping rails (17, 18; 23, 24) are disposed without electric conducting connection with the first conductor, are manufactured from electrically conductive material, and are electrically connected to the sheets (4, 5).

Abstract: The invention comprises a continuous hot rolling method in which a rear end portion of a preceding metal block and a fore end portion of a succeeding metal block are cut and the metal blocks are joined to each other by heating and pressing followed by a finish rolling. A region of each metal block is restrained from a clamping position to the end portion thereof in order to prevent a change in level of the metal blocks in heating and pressing the piece. The end portions of the metal blocks can be thus prevented from deformation.

Abstract: An apparatus for thermoplastic welding together by fusion bonding, an assembly of composite parts, each having a resin-rich thermoplastic surface layer, along bond lines containing a conductive susceptor, includes a weld skate that can be moved along guiding and supporting tooling over the bond line to effect the weld. The skate has an induction work coil and two pressure pads, one on each side of the coil in its direction of motion in operation, for applying pressure to the parts while said induction work coil induces eddy currents in the susceptor to heat the susceptor by resistive heating and melt the thermoplastic surface layers. The skate has bearings projecting from its side into cam grooves machined into the sides of the tooling for guiding and supporting the skate during welding by the induction work coil.

Abstract: A sealing device for a packaging material tube has a pair of pressure arms 13 supported by a lift frame 11 each at a lower portion thereof and pivotally movable about respective parallel horizontal axes. A pair of sealing jaws 14 are fixed to the respective pressure arms 13 each at an upper portion of the arm so as to be opposed to each other. A high-frequency heating coil 18 is provided on one of the sealing jaws 14 for induction-heating an aluminum foil layer of the tube T present between the sealing jaws 14 as closed. A transmission-side primary coil 21 is fixedly disposed at one side of the path of vertical movement of the lift frame 11. A receiving-side secondary coil 22 is so disposed as to form a closed electric circuit along with the heating coil 18. The primary coil 21 and the secondary coil 22 are electromagnetically connected when the sealing jaws 14 are closed, and are electromagnetically separated when the jaws 14 are opened.

Abstract: A process for consolidating a composite material comprises the steps of forming a workpiece including a matrix interspersed with fibers, supporting the workpiece by an electrically conductive support, inductively heating the support and thereby conductively heating the workpiece, and applying pressure to the heated workpiece. We apply the pressure by passing the support and workpiece through spaced rolls. To keep the workpiece from sticking to the support (i.e., the mandrel), we use boron nitride as a release agent.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming and consolidating organic matrix composites. An organic matrix composite panel comprising laid-up prepregs is placed between sheets of a susceptor material that is susceptible to inductive heating to form a workpiece. The resulting workpiece is placed within upper and lower dies formed of a material that is not susceptible to inductive heating. An induction coil embedded within the dies is energized and inductively heats the susceptor sheets surrounding the panel. The sheets in turn conductively heat the organic matrix composite panel. A pressure zone between the workpiece and one of the dies is pressurized to form the workpiece to the contour of a forming surface on one of the dies. The pressure in the pressure zone is maintained on the workpiece until the organic matrix composite panel is fully consolidated and formed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming and consolidating organic matrix composites. An organic matrix composite panel comprising laid-up prepregs is placed between sheets of a susceptor material that is susceptible to inductive heating to form a workpiece. The resulting workpiece is placed within upper and lower dies formed of a material that is not susceptible to inductive heating. An induction coil embedded within the dies is energized and inductively heats the susceptor sheets surrounding the panel. The sheets in turn conductively heat the organic matrix composite panel. A pressure zone between the workpiece and one of the dies is pressurized to form the workpiece to the contour of a forming surface on one of the dies. The pressure in the pressure zone is maintained on the workpiece until the organic matrix composite panel is fully consolidated and formed.

Abstract: An induction coil is passed over an interface between two resinous parts to be welded and an alternating magnetic field generated by the coil induces eddy currents in a foraminous susceptor positioned in the interface between the two parts. Pressure is applied to squeeze the two parts together while the induction heating of the susceptor raises the temperature of the resin in the faying surfaces of the two parts to the softening temperature so that resin flows through the interstices in the susceptor and bonds the two parts together. The induction heating and pressure application passes are repeated four or more times, increasing the power to the induction coil in the later passes to increase the heat input. The strength and continuity of the weld improves with each pass, although the incremental improvement diminishes after about four passes.

Abstract: Induction heating is utilized to heat polymer matrix composites containing electrically conductive fibers. This is accomplished with an apparatus having a mold with first and second cores positioned to receive a workpiece therebetween and first and second induction coils mounted to the first and second cores, respectively. Each induction coil is encapsulated in a layer of non-electrically conductive material which is attached to a surface of the respective core. A thermal insulation layer is attached to each layer of material, and a skin layer is attached to each thermal insulation layer. Alternatively, the induction coils can be embedded in the corresponding mold core. In another alternative, a single helical induction coil can be disposed around the two mold cores.