Induction heating systems for heat treatment of wire and profiles

ATE – Applicazioni Termo Elettroniche designs and manufactures induction heating systems for in-line heat treatment of steel wires, braids, strands, ropes, flat bars, and profiles. Available heat treatments include stabilization, annealing, stress relieving, patenting, as well as quenching and tempering. Other specific treatments are available on request.

Stabilization heat treatments for steel wires, braids, and strands for prestressed reinforced concrete

Induction stabilization treatments are used to reduce relaxation in steel wires, braids, and strands intended for prestressed reinforced concrete. The systems operate on strands up to 7/10” (cross-sections up to 200 mm²), wires up to 11 mm, and braids up to 3×Ø3 mm, with temperatures below 420 °C and production rates up to 11,500 kg/h. Finished products are used in the manufacture of structural and prefabricated elements for bridges, viaducts, tunnels, dams, geotechnical anchors, and railway sleepers.

Induction heating for surface drying and dessication

ATE designs induction heating stations for surface drying and desiccation of lubricants, paints, process fluids, and polymer coatings applied to wires, strands, flat bars, and profiles. Direct heating by “skin effect” shortens drying and desiccation times while reducing energy consumption compared to hot air furnaces or radiant systems. The systems are used, for example, to dry borax and stearates on steel wires before drawing, for diameters up to 15 mm and temperatures up to 200 °C. For plastic coating preparation, ATE supplies continuous induction heating units for steel ropes, handling diameters up to 76 mm, temperatures up to 160 °C, and production rates up to 2,500 kg/h, while ensuring thermal uniformity and process stability.

Stress relieving annealing systems of wires, flat bars, and profiles

Stress relieving annealing systems are used to reduce internal stresses generated by cold forming and mechanical processing. The treatment decreases work hardening, brittleness, and hardness, improving material workability. Solutions cover flat bars and profiles up to 200 mm², with temperatures up to 700 °C and production rates up to 3,200 kg/h, as well as smooth or ribbed wires for constructions and wires for welded mesh.

Tempering of surface martensite on steel wires

During peeling operations, hard and poorly ductile martensitic surface structures may form. Through induction heating, it is possible to perform selective tempering of the surface layer without affecting the wire core. Systems operate on diameters up to 10 mm, with temperatures up to 700 °C limited to the outer layer, and production rates up to 4,900 kg/h.

Induction quenching and tempering of wires, flat bars, and profiles

ATE develops systems for in-line quenching and tempering of steel flat bars and profiles, as well as wires for spring production. Induction heating ensures high thermal efficiency, fast processing, and precise parameter control, with quenching temperatures up to 1,000 °C and tempering temperatures up to 620 °C.

Patenting of steel wires

For high-carbon steels, ATE supplies continuous patenting systems that provide high ductility combined with controlled hardness, eliminating the need for intermediate annealing processes.

Induction heating for subsequent hot rolling

Induction heating systems for subsequent hot rolling of steel wires are intended for small in-line rolling mills, enabling rapid and controlled heating prior to deformation. Solutions cover diameters up to 22.5 mm, temperatures up to 1,050 °C, and production rates up to 10,000 kg/h.

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