Purchasing an induction heating system is only the beginning of the relationship between a manufacturer and its equipment supplier.
Once the machine enters production, different questions emerge. What happens when an inductor needs repair? Where will replacement parts come from? Who can help troubleshoot a process that is no longer producing the expected results? And when a new part is introduced, who can help determine the right heating process?
For North American manufacturers, the answers to those questions can be just as important as the specifications of the original equipment.
That is why IDEA Induction has invested in local engineering, manufacturing and technical support at its facility in Auburn Hills, Michigan.
More Than a North American Sales Office
IDEA Induction LLC provides a local connection between North American manufacturers and IDEA’s induction heating technology and engineering expertise.
But the Auburn Hills operation is much more than a sales presence.
The facility gives customers access to application and process-development support, technical service, spare parts and locally designed and manufactured induction coils. It also provides a place where manufacturers can work directly with IDEA’s team to solve application and production challenges.
The goal is straightforward: support the induction process throughout its operating life, not simply deliver the equipment.
Develop the Process Before It Reaches Production
A successful induction heating application depends on more than selecting a power supply or machine.
Part geometry, material, frequency, power, heating time, inductor design, positioning and other process variables can all influence the final result. Understanding how those variables interact is an important part of developing a repeatable process.
At IDEA Induction’s Auburn Hills, Michigan, facility, customers can work with the engineering team to evaluate induction heating applications and develop process parameters on IDEA machines using actual components before moving into production.
Induction power supplies and heating cables as well as a KH 750 induction hardening machine are available for testing a wide array of heating applications, component sizes, materials and shapes.
For a manufacturer considering new equipment, that work can help answer an important question early in the project: What does the part actually require?
Inductors Designed and Manufactured in Michigan
The inductor is one of the most important components of an induction heating process. Its geometry, positioning, electrical characteristics and cooling all affect how energy is transferred into the workpiece.
It is also a production component that eventually requires maintenance, repair or replacement. IDEA Induction designs and manufactures inductors at its Auburn Hills facility.
Customers therefore have access to a North American resource for new coil development as well as repair and troubleshooting of existing inductors.
Local manufacturing can be particularly valuable when an inductor problem affects production. Instead of treating the coil as a component that must automatically be sourced overseas, customers can work directly with the Auburn Hills team to determine whether it should be repaired, replaced or redesigned.
Spare Parts Closer to Production
Downtime changes the importance of distance.
A component that seems routine when a machine is operating normally can become critical when production stops.
Having commonly needed spare parts available in North America can reduce dependence on international shipping and make it easier for customers to plan their maintenance and spare-parts inventories.
IDEA Induction maintains local spare parts support in Auburn Hills so North American customers have a resource closer to their operations.
Just as importantly, customers have a local team they can contact to help determine which component or service is actually required.
Technical Support That Understands North American Manufacturing
Good technical support requires more than answering a telephone.
IDEA Induction’s North American customers work with experienced technical personnel who understand the equipment, the induction process and the production environments in which those systems operate.
That provides continuity when an application moves from development into production — and later when a customer needs troubleshooting, service, an inductor repair or assistance with a new application.
Customers don’t have to start from the beginning every time they need support.
European Engineering. North American Infrastructure.
IDEA’s international engineering and manufacturing resources remain an important advantage, particularly for specialized induction heating and hardening equipment.
IDEA Induction’s Auburn Hills operation complements those resources by putting process-development capabilities, inductor manufacturing, spare parts and technical support closer to North American customers.
That combination gives manufacturers access to broader engineering resources while maintaining a local relationship throughout the life of their induction equipment.
Local support when it matters.
Have an induction heating application to discuss?
Whether you are evaluating a new process, troubleshooting an existing application or planning your next induction equipment investment, talk with IDEA Induction’s North American team.
Bring us the part. Let’s develop the process together.
