In this comprehensive guide we'll explore the ins and outs of induction cooking, how induction cookers and this method of cooking differs from gas and electric options, their benefits and drawbacks, and even dispel some common myths. Let's dive right in.
Contact us to discuss your requirements of induction heating design. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.
In this guide, we&#;ll be covering:
Induction cooking is an innovative cooking method that uses electromagnetic energy to directly heat pots and pans, offering a faster and more energy-efficient alternative to traditional gas and electric cooktops. Cooking on an induction range cooker can offer unparalleled performance, energy efficiency and safety.
While gas and electric cooktops rely on external heat sources to warm pots and pans, induction cookers generate heat within the cookware itself, making for a more efficient and precise cooking experience.
Induction cooking works by using an electromagnetic field to generate heat within your induction cookware, providing precise temperature control and even heating. The induction hob cooker's surface remains relatively cool, as the heat is generated in the pan itself.
In the world of modern cooking, induction cooktops have emerged as a game-changer, and an increasingly popular choice among home cooks and professional chefs alike.
Energy efficiency
Induction cookers transfer energy directly to your cookware, making them significantly more efficient than gas or electric options, reducing energy consumption and lowering your utility bills.
Enhanced safety
With an induction range cooktop, there's no open flame or exposed heating element, significantly reducing the risk of burns or fires. Additionally, the cooking surface remains relatively cool, further enhancing safety.
Better controllability
Cooking on induction range cookers provides precise and instant temperature control, allowing for better results when preparing delicate or complex dishes.
Easy to clean
Since the cooktop surface stays relatively cool, food spills and splatters won't burn onto the surface, making it much easier to clean.
Environmentally friendly
With improved energy efficiency and no open flame, induction cookers are a more eco-friendly choice for your kitchen.
Heats faster
Induction cookers can heat cookware faster than traditional gas or electric cooktops, reducing cooking time and increasing convenience.
Induction cookers are packed with innovative features that make them stand out from traditional gas and electric cookers. They not only simplify your cooking process, but provide greater versatility and control.
Low temperature settings
Induction cookers offer precise low-temperature settings for delicate cooking tasks, such as melting chocolate or simmering sauces.
Bridging zone
Some induction range cookers feature bridging zones that can be combined for larger cookware or more flexible cooking options.
Griddle
Take your cooking to the next level with an induction griddle which provides flexibility when cooking a variety of cuisines and healthy dishes.
Power boost
Power boost features on induction cookers enable rapid boiling or high-heat cooking, further shortening the cooking time.
Pan detection
Many induction cooktops include pan detection, which automatically turns off the cooktop if no pan is present or if the wrong type of pan is used.
Boil dry protection
Boil dry protection prevents damage to your cookware by shutting off the induction hob if it detects that a pan has boiled dry.
Induction cooking is significantly more energy-efficient than gas and electric cooktops, typically using about 84% of the energy generated compared to around 70% for electric and 40% for gas.
While induction cooking has numerous benefits and cutting-edge features, you should be aware of its potential drawbacks. Understanding these will help you make an informed decision on whether an induction cooker is the right fit for your kitchen and cooking needs.
Price
Induction cookers can be more expensive than traditional gas or electric cookers, but the long-term energy savings can offset the initial cost.
Adjusting ways of cooking
As induction cooking heats faster and offers precise temperature control, there may be a simple learning curve to adjust your cooking habits.
Scratches
Induction cooktops can be susceptible to scratches if care isn't taken when using or cleaning the surface. However, this can be prevented by using appropriate cookware and cleaners and following proper cleaning procedures.
Induction cookware
Induction cooking requires the use of magnetic cookware, such as cast iron or stainless steel with a magnetic base. Not all cookware is compatible, so check the manufacturer's recommendations or test with a magnet to ensure compatibility.
Always use compatible cookware on your induction cooktop.
Avoid using damaged or warped pans, as they may not heat evenly.
Keep the cooktop surface clean and free of debris.
Don't leave empty cookware on a heated induction hob.
Clean the induction cooktop after each use with a soft cloth and mild detergent. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or scrubbing pads, which can scratch the surface. For stubborn spills, use an induction-specific cleaner and follow the manufacturer's instructions.
The price of an induction cooker varies depending on brand, features and size. While they can be more expensive initially, the long-term energy savings and performance benefits make them a worthwhile investment.
As induction cooking gains popularity, it is important to address the misconceptions that often surround this innovative technology. Some myths can lead to unfounded concerns, such as the following.
Radiation
While induction cookers use electromagnetic fields, they do not emit harmful radiation. The radiation levels emitted by induction cooktops are well below established safety standards.
Special wiring
Most induction cookers do not require special wiring and can be installed in homes with standard electrical systems. However, it's essential to consult with an electrician or the manufacturer for specific installation requirements.
If you are looking for more details, kindly visit induction capacitors.
How much energy does induction cooking use?
Induction cooking is highly energy-efficient, typically using about 84% of the energy generated. The exact energy consumption will depend on your specific induction cooker model, cookware and cooking habits.
How do I know if my cookware is suitable for induction cookers?
To be compatible with induction cookers, cookware must be magnetic. Suitable materials include cast iron and stainless steel with a magnetic base.
Pan Performance Check Method:
Use a 1.85 Kw zone (centre zone on Rangemaster models, refer to manual for ratings of each zone).
Fill an unlidded pan with 1/2 litre of room temperature water (the diameter of pan should not be greater than the outer circle of the zone).
Operate the zone at power level 9.
The water should boil within 3½ minutes. Boiling times outside this duration would suggest that the pan construction is not ideal to provide best performance and can result in premature component failure.
Which brand of induction range cookers should I choose?
Of course, induction cookers from other manufacturers are available, but when it comes to choosing a range cooker, we believe Rangemaster stands out. With a combination of cutting-edge technology and stylish designs, our induction cookers offer a range of features, finishes and sizes to fit any kitchen's style and cooking needs.
From easy-to-use controls to automatic shut-off and child locks, the Rangemaster induction range cookers offer the ultimate cooking experience, making them the perfect choice of hob for anyone seeking high-performance, style and functionality.
Which size of induction range cookers should I choose?
The size of the induction range cooker you choose will depend on your kitchen space, cooking needs and personal preferences. Induction range cookers are available in various sizes, typically ranging from 90cm to 110cm. Measure your available space and consider your cooking habits when selecting a size.
What colours do you do?
Our induction range cookers come in a variety of attractive colour options, from classic black, white and stainless steel to an array of signature Rangemaster colours, such as cherry red, racing green, china blue and royal pearl. With our extensive range of colours, you can find the perfect shade to complement the design and style of your kitchen.
What are the best utensils to use for induction cooking?
For induction cooking, use utensils made from materials that won't scratch the cooktop surface, such as silicone, nylon or wood. Avoid using metal utensils, which may cause scratches or damage the induction cooktop surface.
Is a range cooker with induction hobs quicker and easier to clean?
Yes, range cookers with induction hobs are quicker and easier to clean compared to traditional cooktops. Since the cooktop surface stays relatively cool, food spills and splatters won't burn onto the surface, making it much easier to wipe clean with a soft cloth and mild detergent.
Are there any other types of range cookers available?
Yes, in addition to induction, there are other types of range cookers available.
Dual-fuel range cookers
combine the advantages of both gas and electric cooking. They feature responsive gas cooktops for precise heat control and powerful electric ovens for even cooking performance.
Ceramic range cookers
use a glass-ceramic surface with embedded heating elements, providing a smooth, easy-to-clean cooktop with radiant heat. They offer a sleek, modern design and the versatility of radiant heat cooking.
Gas range cookers
use natural gas or propane as fuel, providing instant heat and precise temperature control. While less energy-efficient than induction cookers, gas range cookers offer the traditional look and feel that many home cooks appreciate.
What type of metal is used for induction cooking?
Induction cooking requires cookware made from magnetic materials, such as cast iron or stainless steel with a magnetic base.
Can you slow cook on an induction hob?
Yes, you can slow cook on an induction hob by using the low-temperature settings available on most induction cookers. These settings allow you to maintain a consistent, low heat for extended periods, making them ideal for slow cooking.
Can you cook on a range induction cooktop with a pacemaker?
In most cases, it&#;s safe to use a range induction cooktop with a pacemaker, as the electromagnetic fields generated are well below established safety standards. However, it is recommended that you consult your doctor or the pacemaker manufacturer to confirm compatibility.
Can I use an induction cooker if I have an insulin pump?
Yes, it is safe to use an induction cooker if you have an insulin pump. The magnetic field generated by an induction cooker should not affect the function of the insulin pump. However, as with any electrical device, it's important to follow manufacturer guidelines and safety instructions to ensure proper use.
Conclusion
Induction cooking is an energy-efficient, safe and precise cooking method that offers numerous benefits over traditional gas and electric cooktops. With a range of innovative features and long-term savings on energy bills, it's an investment worth considering for your kitchen. So, take the leap and explore the world of induction cooking. You won't be disappointed!
Induction hardening is being increasingly used within the gear industry. However, before looking at the advantages of the method, it is helpful to review the basics of the technology. The phenomenon of induction heating begins by passing an alternating current through a coil in order to generate a magnetic field. The strength of the field varies in relation to the strength of the current passing through the coil. The field is concentrated in the area enclosed by the coil, while its magnitude depends on the strength of the current and the number of turns in the coil. (Figure 1)
Eddy currents are induced in any electrically conductive object, a metal bar, for example, placed inside the coil. The phenomenon of resistance generates heat in the area where the eddy currents are flowing. Increasing the strength of the magnetic field increases the heating effect. However, the total heating effect is also influenced by the magnetic properties of the object and the distance between it and the coil. (Figure 2)
The eddy currents create their own magnetic field that opposes the original field produced by the coil. This opposition prevents the original field from immediately penetrating to the center of the object enclosed by the coil. The eddy currents are most active close to the surface of the object being heated, but weaken considerably in strength towards the center. (Figure 3)
The distance from the surface of the heated object to the depth where current density drops to 37% is the penetration depth. This depth changes in relation to various parameters such as heating times, initial material and choice of frequency.
Key features of induction hardening are fast heating cycles, accurate heating patterns and cores that remain relatively cold and stable. Such characteristics minimize distortion and make heating outcomes extremely repeatable, reducing post-heat processing such as grinding. This is especially true when comparing induction hardening to case carburizing.
Induction hardening also reduces pre-processing, as the geometry changes are less than those caused by carburizing. Such minimal changes mean distortion does not need to be accounted for when making the gear. With gears destined for gas carburizing, however, &#;offsets&#; that represent distortion are often introduced at the design stage. These intentional offsets compensate for distortion caused during the lengthy heat soaks typical of carburizing.
Induction can heat precisely localized zones in gears. Achieving the same degree of localized hardening with carburizing can be a time- and labor-intensive procedure. When carburizing specific zones such as the teeth areas, it is usually necessary to mask the rest of the gear with &#;stop off&#; coatings. These masks must be applied to each and every work piece, and removed following the hardening process. No such masking is necessary with induction hardening.
Induction hardening is ideal for integrating into production lines. Such integrated &#;inline&#; hardening is more productive than thermo-chemical processes. Moreover, integrated hardening minimizes costs, as the gears do not have to be removed for separate heat treatment. In fact, induction heating makes it possible to create one seamless production flow through the machining, hardening, quenching, tempering and storage stages.
The induction heating method used for small- and medium-sized gears is often referred to as &#;spin hardening&#;. This is because the gear is placed within an induction coil and spins as the eddy currents are induced. Spin hardening can in turn be divided into two main methods: through hardening and contour hardening. With the first method&#;used primarily for gears exposed to high wear&#; the tooth perimeter is hardened with a low specific power. However, if the frequency is too low, there is the risk that above the Curie temperature the induced eddy current flows mainly in the root circle, and the temperature lags behind in the teeth. Quenching is either by submersion or spraying, and is usually delayed in order to achieve a uniform temperature between the teeth and the root circle. Tempering after through-hardening is essential in order to prevent later cracking.
Contour hardening is divided into single- and dual-frequency processes. With the former, a single generator feeds the inductor. Austenitizing is achieved either in a single heating, or by pre-heating the gear to 550-750° C before heating it to the hardening temperature. The purpose of pre-heating is to reach an adequately high austenitizing temperature in the root circle during final heating, without overheating the teeth tips. Short heating times and a high specific power are usually required to achieve hardening profiles at an irregular distance to the tooth face.
The dual-frequency process uses either separate or simultaneous frequencies. Using separate frequencies achieves hardening profiles similar to case hardening. The process applies two different frequencies one after the other to the gear. The teeth are pre-heated at a low frequency to 550-750° C. The frequency should be such that pre-heating occurs in the root circle area. After a short delay, use of a higher frequency and specific power achieves austenitizing. Accurate monitoring systems are essential, as heating times are measured in tenths of seconds or seconds during this final heating phase.
With the simultaneous dual-frequency method, a lower and a higher frequency feed into the inductor at the same time. Hardening is achieved by heating the root circle with the lower frequency, and the tooth tips with the higher (see Figure 4). Unlike the separate, or stepped, dual-frequency process, pre-heating is not always required when using the simultaneous dual-frequency process. However, the short heating times used with simultaneous frequencies place high demands on the generator and machine engineering. Figure 5 shows an example of a hardening profile achieved with this method.
Correct quenching is critical for perfect spin hardening results, and should be performed as soon as possible after the final heating. The time gap between heating and quenching can be minimized by using a fast CNC axle to position the spray head, or by integrating a quench circuit into the inductor. During the quenching phase the rotational speed of the gear is decreased to below 50 rpm to avoid a &#;shadow effect&#; on the flank opposing the direction of rotation.
Many other factors influence spin hardening outcomes. The material to be hardened and its initial structure, for example, have a decisive impact. Due to short austenitizing times, the initial steel structure must be close-grained (ASTM 7 and above). Non-homogenous pearlite-ferrite initial structures are not suitable. The importance of initial structure and carbon content increases as module size decreases. If a somewhat increased quenching distortion is acceptable, inductive pre-quenching and tempering prior to contour hardening can greatly improve the gear&#;s hardenability.
Module size is another key factor in spin hardening. For the dual frequency method with simultaneous frequencies, the range is 2.2 < m &#; 5mm. However, for cost reasons the gear diameter should be limited to approximately d &#; 250mm. For modules of m &#; 3.0mm, the separate dual frequency method is preferred. This is because a final hardening phase with only the higher frequency achieves better hardening at an irregular distance to the face. The single frequency method is almost exclusively used for internal ring gears with a module where m &#; 1.25mm, such as those frequently used in automotive automatic transmission systems.
Spin hardening is a versatile and reliable process that can harden spur-toothed, helical spur and internal gears at an irregular distance to the face. However, different gear forms influence hardening results. With helical gearing, an asymmetrical hardening of the tooth flank at a depth of up to 2-3mm from the gear face has to be accepted. This situation is however only pronounced with helix angles of β &#; 28°. Patented coil solutions are available that limit this effect by enhancing power distribution.
Correctly designed and built induction coils are absolutely critical for successful, cost-effective induction heating. In fact, designing and testing coils is often the process with the longest lead time when devising an induction heating solution. A key reason for this is the fact that coils are task specific. They must be designed to achieve specific results on specific materials under specific conditions. There are no&#;or at least there shouldn&#;t be&#;&#;off-the-shelf&#; coil designs.
Rigorous testing of a coil&#;s design and construction is essential. Too few people realize that coils are often the part most exposed to harsh operating conditions. Testing and computer-aided simulation is therefore sometimes needed to arrive at a design that is both safe and fatigue resistant. And of course, it takes repeated testing to achieve optimal part-heating patterns.
Nothing can be taken for granted when designing induction coils. With very high power density coils, for example, one even needs to determine the correct speed at which cooling water should flow through the coil. Too low a speed will result in insufficient thermal transference. But even when the correct speed has been found, the coil designer must decide whether a booster pump is necessary in order to achieve and maintain the desired water through-flow rate. The competent coil designer will also specify a purity level for the cooling water, in order to minimize corrosion on the inside of the coil. So something as apparently straightforward as the coil&#;s water, is in fact a complex matter demanding technical competence and specialist equipment.
Magnetic flux concentrators are another area of an overall induction solution that at first glance seems relatively straightforward. As the name suggests, the main function of such concentrators is to concentrate the coil&#;s current in the area of the coil facing the work piece. Without a concentrator, much of the magnetic flux is free to propagate around the coil. This uncontrolled flux will then &#;engulf&#; adjacent conductive components. But when channeled by a concentrator, the magnetic flux can be restricted to precisely defined areas of the work piece, resulting in the localized heating zones characteristic of induction heating.
Many variables must be considered when making flux concentrators. The work piece&#;s material, the coil&#;s shape, the application&#;each influences the concentrator&#;s final design. Even deciding what material to use for the concentrator can be a complicated task. Basically, concentrators are made from laminations, or from pure ferrites and ferrite- or iron-based powders. Each concentrator material has its own drawbacks and advantages. Laminations have the highest flux densities and magnetic permeability; they are also less expensive as parts than iron- and ferrite-based powders. Laminations must however be stamped to a few standardized sizes and are therefore less flexible. They are also labor intensive to mount.
Pure ferrites can also offer outstanding magnetic permeability. However, they suffer from low saturation flux density, and their brittleness makes them difficult to machine (diamond-tipped cutters must be used). Iron powders are easy to shape, offer high flux densities, and are easy to shape. But great care must be taken to provide against over-heating, as internal losses or heat transfer from the heated part means such powders have a relatively low working temperature.
Of course, many other factors need to be considered when designing induction coils. Correct impedance matching between the coil and the power source, for instance, is crucial in order to use the full power from the power source. Plus the fact that coils need five to ten times as much reactive as active power.
As we have seen, a professionally designed and fabricated induction coil is an advanced, complex component. Unfortunately, too many induction users persist in viewing coils as low-tech copper tubes. The results of this misconception are incorrect and even dangerous coil designs, amateurish repairs, insufficient or incorrect maintenance, and ultimately, process and equipment failures.
The company is the world’s best china high frequency screw rod quenching machine factory supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.