Method and apparatus of hot working metal with induction reheating

摘要

This invention relates to a process and apparatus for hot working metals whereby a finer and more uniform grain structure is produced in the wrought product. In conventional hot working operations, the workpiece is initially heated to an elevated temperature within the hot working temperature range of the particular metal or alloy, and the heated workpiece is then hot worked by deformation until the workpiece becomes chilled, thereby necessitating reheating prior to further hot working. In accordance with the present invention, the reheating of the workpiece is accomplished by subjecting the chilled workpiece to electric induction heating at a frequency preselected to concentrate the induced heat in the chilled outer portions of the workpiece to thereby rapidly return the workpiece to the optimum hot working temperature throughout so that continued hot working can be reinitiated before appreciable grain growth can occur.