High Frequency Annealing Machine for Tube Shrinking Process

The High Frequency Induction Annealing Machine Model FH-148 is a purpose-built industrial annealing solution developed by Feihong to address the critical process requirements in metal tube manufacturing. When metal tubes reach their compression limit during shrinking operations, they become work-hardened and brittle. This machine provides the necessary localized annealing and softening to restore ductility, allowing continued processing without compromising material integrity or causing cracks.

As a direct induction heating factory in China, we design and manufacture every component to ensure maximum durability and precise temperature control. Below are the key aspects that define this equipment:

Primary Function: Localized annealing and softening of metal tubes before further compression, shrinking, or bending processes.
Application Scope: Large diameter reduction, high-density tube processing, automotive exhaust pipe manufacturing, and furniture tube bending.
Operating Principle: High-frequency electromagnetic induction heating for rapid, deep, and uniform temperature distribution.
Integration Capability: Seamlessly fits into existing CNC tube shrinking, bending, and automated production lines.

Working Principle: How Induction Annealing Works

Understanding the technology behind the FH-148 helps B2B buyers appreciate its efficiency. Unlike traditional resistance or gas furnaces that heat the surrounding air, our induction annealing machine heats the workpiece directly.

Electromagnetic Field Generation: High-frequency alternating current passes through the custom-designed induction coil, creating a strong, alternating magnetic field around the coil.
Eddy Current Induction: When the metal tube is placed within this magnetic field, powerful eddy currents are induced directly within the metal material.
Rapid Internal Heating: The resistance of the metal to these eddy currents generates precise, internal heat. The tube reaches the required annealing temperature (typically red-hot) in seconds.
Controlled Cooling: After heating, the tube passes through a controlled cooling zone (air or water spray), completing the annealing cycle and restoring the metal's crystalline structure for optimal ductility.

Detailed Component Breakdown

Feihong uses only premium, globally sourced components to ensure the FH-148 operates flawlessly in demanding 24/7 industrial environments.

German Infineon IGBT Modules: The core power conversion utilizes top-tier IGBT (Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistor) modules, ensuring high switching frequency, stable power output, and a significantly longer service life compared to traditional vacuum tube machines.
Advanced Water Cooling System: Features an integrated closed-loop water cooling system with flow and temperature monitoring. This protects the internal electronics and the induction coil from overheating, ensuring continuous operation.
High-Purity Copper Induction Coil: The custom-machined copper coil is designed to maximize magnetic coupling efficiency. We offer interchangeable coils for different tube diameters and shapes.
PLC Control Panel: An intuitive digital interface allows operators to precisely set and monitor heating time, power levels, and cooling parameters, ensuring 100% process repeatability.

Comparison: Induction Annealing vs. Traditional Furnace Annealing

Why are modern metal processing plants switching to high-frequency induction annealing machines? The ROI and operational benefits are substantial.

Feature	Feihong Induction Annealing (FH-148)	Traditional Gas/Resistance Furnace
Heating Speed	Extremely fast (seconds to minutes)	Slow (requires pre-heating, takes hours)
Energy Efficiency	Up to 90%+ (heats only the workpiece)	30% - 50% (massive heat loss to environment)
Temperature Control	Highly precise, localized, and uniform	Difficult to control, prone to hot/cold spots
Oxidation & Deformation	Minimal oxidation, no overall thermal deformation	High oxidation (scaling), risk of warping
Working Environment	Cool, clean, no open flames, safe	Hot, hazardous, requires heavy ventilation
Automation Integration	Easy to integrate into inline automated production	Difficult, usually requires batch processing

Extensive Application Scenarios

The versatility of the FH-148 model makes it an indispensable asset across multiple manufacturing sectors. Below are the primary industries and specific applications where this equipment delivers exceptional value:

Automotive Exhaust & Chassis Systems: Annealing exhaust pipes, mufflers, and chassis tubes before complex 3D bending and hydroforming processes to prevent cracking.
HVAC & Refrigeration: Softening copper and aluminum tubes for air conditioning and refrigerator manufacturing, ensuring perfect flaring and expanding without splitting.
Furniture & Architectural Hardware: Preparing stainless steel and carbon steel tubes for chair frames, handrails, and display racks, allowing tight-radius bending.
Tube Shrinking & Swaging: When tubes cannot be further compressed within a certain range during diameter reduction, the machine anneals the localized area to enable continued compression.
Welding Pre/Post-Heating: Used for stress relieving and annealing the Heat Affected Zone (HAZ) after tube welding to restore material strength.

Customization & OEM/ODM Services

As a direct induction heating factory, Feihong understands that every production line has unique requirements. We offer comprehensive customization services for the FH-148:

Custom Induction Coils: We design and manufacture bespoke copper coils tailored to your specific tube diameter, shape, and annealing length.
Power Adjustments: While the FH-148 operates at 35-45KW, we can scale the power output up or down based on your specific throughput and material thickness requirements.
Automation Upgrades: We can integrate automatic feeding and discharging mechanisms, robotic arm interfaces, and PLC communication protocols (e.g., Profinet, EtherCAT) to match your smart factory setup.
Branding (OEM): We support OEM manufacturing, allowing you to brand the machine with your company logo and custom color schemes.

Technical Specifications

Below are the verified technical parameters of the High Frequency Induction Annealing Machine FH-148. Please consult our engineering team if you require modifications for specific voltage standards (e.g., 220V/440V/480V for different countries).

Model	FH-148
Input Voltage	Three-phase 380V (50/60Hz) - *Customizable*
Operating Power	35KW - 45KW (Adjustable)
Machine Dimensions (L×W×H)	1700 × 1200 × 1650 mm
Net Weight	Approx. 300 KG

Installation, Operation & Maintenance Guidelines

To ensure the longevity and optimal performance of your metal tube annealing machine, Feihong provides comprehensive support:

Installation: Our engineers are available for remote video guidance or on-site installation (subject to travel agreements).
Water Quality: Always use clean, distilled, or deionized water in the closed-loop cooling system to prevent scaling and blockages in the internal water jackets.
Daily Maintenance: Regularly check water pressure, clean the induction coil of metal debris, and inspect cable connections for tightness.
Spare Parts: We keep a full inventory of spare parts (IGBTs, capacitors, coils) in our warehouse to ensure rapid dispatch in case of unexpected wear.

Why Choose Feihong as Your Induction Heating Partner?

Feihong is not just a supplier; we are your strategic manufacturing partner. Here is why global B2B buyers trust us:

Direct Factory Pricing: As the original manufacturer, we eliminate middleman markups, offering you the most competitive factory-direct price without compromising on component quality.
Strict Quality Assurance: Every machine undergoes a 72-hour continuous aging test and full-load run-in before shipping. We provide a comprehensive test report with every unit.
Factory Visits Welcome: We warmly invite all potential buyers to visit our production facility in China. See our CNC machining, assembly lines, and testing labs firsthand.
24/7 Technical Support: Our dedicated after-sales engineering team is available online to troubleshoot issues and provide remote diagnostics, minimizing your machine downtime.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What is the maximum tube diameter this machine can anneal?

A: The FH-148 (35-45KW) is highly effective for medium to large diameter tubes. Depending on the material (carbon steel, stainless steel, copper) and the required annealing depth, it can efficiently process tubes ranging from 10mm up to 150mm in outer diameter. For larger diameters, we recommend our higher-power models (e.g., 60KW or 80KW).

Q2: Can the machine operate continuously for 24 hours?

A: Yes. The FH-148 is designed with an industrial-grade continuous duty cycle. As long as the cooling water system maintains the required pressure and temperature, and the ambient workshop temperature is within normal limits, the machine can run 24/7 without performance degradation.

Q3: Do you provide the induction coils, or do we need to make them ourselves?

A: We provide standard coils for common tube sizes with the machine. Additionally, as the manufacturer, we can custom-design and manufacture specific induction coils tailored to your exact tube geometry and production speed requirements at a very low cost.

Q4: How do you ensure the annealing temperature is accurate and consistent?

A: The machine features an infrared pyrometer (optional add-on) that can be integrated with the PLC control system. This allows for closed-loop temperature control, automatically adjusting the power output or conveyor speed to maintain the exact target annealing temperature, ensuring 100% batch consistency.

Ready to Upgrade Your Tube Processing Line?

Don't let work-hardened tubes slow down your production or cause quality defects. Invest in the Feihong High Frequency Induction Annealing Machine (FH-148) today and experience faster processing, lower energy bills, and superior product quality.

Contact us now to request a free quote, discuss your specific tube annealing requirements, or schedule a virtual factory tour. Our technical engineers are standing by to provide the perfect induction heating solution for your business.