Coil Failure: pt. 3 – Coil Copper Selection

In induction heating applications longevity of inductor depends upon several factors, including coil copper selection. This article discusses how different copper grades used for fabrication of induction heating coils affect physical properties, main electrical parameters, copper losses, reliability and longevity of induction heaters. Among other phenomena article discusses copper stress-corrosion cracking, stress-fatigue cracking, galvanic corrosion, and some other important phenomena that have a marked effect on coil failure. Effect of copper residual elements and alloying elements on performance of induction coil is discussed here as well.