Energy Efficiency and HF Welding

High frequency (HF) welding is a type of electric resistance solid state welding in which metal strip edges are heated – using high frequency power (kW) applied through an induction coil – and then forged together to create a longitudinal seam weld. HF welding relies on precise weld heat input to weld advanced steel chemistries and emerging ferrous and non-ferrous materials. The focus of this webinar is to provide an understanding of energy efficiency in HF induction welding. Optimizing HF welding energy efficiency is a key criterion for process efficiency and is one element of reducing carbon footprint. This webinar defines what power is, and compares it to energy use. The power delivered and used in HF welding will be reviewed, starting with the basics of rating a power supply. The importance of calorimetric calibration will be explained along with the main differences between power source efficiency and HF welding process efficiency. Participants will also learn about the factors that affect the efficiency of the HF welding process and how to optimize it. This presentation establishes what is efficiency in HF welding, as well as summarizes the impact of welding parameters and their optimization on the overall process efficiency and total energy used during continuous HF welding.