Carbon fiber composites are semiconductors and can, like any electrically conductive material, be heated by induction. This means that carbon fiber composites can be heated volumetrically by inducing circulating currents within the fibers. While an induction stove can only heat steel, Corebon’s equipment has been tailored for composite processing, meaning high efficiency, uniform heating pattern and large versatility.

We help our customers succeed with their joining of carbon, glass or biofiber thermoplastic composites by supplying state of the art power supplies with novel inductor solutions. Carbon fiber composites can be heated directly, while glass and bio fibers need a thin susceptor material in the interface, typically a thin carbon fiber weave or a layer of recycled carbon fibers.

Corebon’s inductors are built using sophisticated material combinations with multi-turn coils, meaning they can be operated with a fairly low current with no workhead needed. A flexible cable from the power supply to the inductor is use, and the system is not very sensitive to the length of the cable. The inductor can withstand the consolidation force and may be designed to cool the surface of the laminate to only melt the interior, close to the weld zone interface. Different types of inductor sizes and configurations can be used depending on the application, and it is easy to switch between them. Flexible inductors for uneven or complex shapes can also be made.