IMW and CMW multi-wire induction heating systems

ATE – Applicazioni Termo Elettroniche develops multi-wire induction heating systems for in-line heat treatment of steel wires. Two furnace configurations are available:

IMW systems – Independent Multi Wires

IMW systems allow independent heating of multiple wires simultaneously, including wires with different diameters. For each line, temperature and line speed can be set independently, making these systems particularly suitable for flexible production and configurations with heterogeneous wires.

CMW systems – Common Multi Wires

CMW systems are designed for simultaneous heating of multiple wires with the same or slightly different diameters, maintaining an almost uniform temperature based on the relationship between line speed and wire diameter. This configuration is suitable for standardized production with high process stability.

IMW and CMW multi-wire systems are fully modular and can be configured for heating a variable number of wires. The compact design of the heating units allows installation even in limited spaces; the frequency converter, heat exchanger, and control panel can be installed separately, also at a distance from the heating unit, facilitating integration into existing production lines.

These systems are used, for example, in production lines requiring treatment by immersion in molten lead. The induction heating units replace lead baths, occupying significantly less space, and maintain the same line pitch, avoiding structural modifications.

The systems can be used in various industrial processes, including:

Recrystallization annealing treatment

Recrystallization annealing is a specific heat treatment that enables partial or complete recovery of the mechanical properties of cold-formed wires. The treatment produces a new grain structure by leveraging two different processes that occur during annealing: dislocation recovery and grain recrystallization. The systems operate on wires up to 5.5 mm in diameter, with temperatures up to 730 °C.

Treatments for tire reinforcement wire (steel cords and bead wire)

ATE multi-wire induction systems are used in the production of steel cords and bead wires (tire reinforcement wires), where heat treatment supports surface diffusion of brass or bronze, and the achievement of specific mechanical properties. The solutions cover diameters up to 2.2 mm, with temperatures up to 600 °C, and production rates up to 360 kg/h.

Treatments for hose wire: reinforcement wire for high-pressure flexible hoses

For wires intended for reinforcement of high-pressure flexible hoses, ATE supplies multi-wire systems for in-line heating aimed at brass diffusion, generally operating in the range of 530–560 °C, with diameters up to 1.7 mm.

Treatments for saw wire

Multi-wire systems are also used in the production of saw wire for cutting silicon ingots in the photovoltaic and electronics industries. Induction heating enables controlled brass diffusion and the achievement of the required mechanical properties on wires up to 1.2 mm in diameter.

Surface drying and desiccation

Multi-wire induction systems are used for surface drying and desiccation of lubricants, paints, and polymer coatings. By leveraging the “skin effect” (direct heating) on parallel wires, the process is quick and energy-efficient, delivering repeatable and fully controllable results.

For additional technical information or special requests, please contact the ATE team directly.