Patent ID: 6013904
Filing Date: 2000-01-11
Classification: C21D,Y02P

Abstract:
An induction hardening apparatus for inductively heating and quench hardening a workpiece, said induction hardening apparatus comprising:fixture means for positioning and supporting said workpiece at a workpiece location;rotary drive means for rotating said workpiece;an induction hardening station positioned adjacent said workpiece location and including a contact-free induction coil and a contact-free positioning system for moving said induction coil in a predetermined path;control means for generating coil path data based upon the geometry and dimensions of a portion of said workpiece to be induction hardened, said control means being operatively connected to said positioning system; andsaid portion of said workpiece moving in an orbital path during workpiece rotation and said predetermined path generated by said positioning system tracking said orbital path whereby the spacing between an inside surface of said induction coil and said workpiece portion during rotation of said workpiece remaining substantially uniform, said induction coil being moved so as to be free of any contact with said workpiece portion.