A portable induction heater for roller bearings is said to be one of the smallest on the market. Weighing only 3 kg, the TMBH 5 is designed to heat roller bearings weighing up to 5 kg that are mounted onto a shaft with an interference fit.  It is also suitable for heating other ring-shaped, metallic components and can be used during the service and maintenance of gearboxes, pumps, fans and blowers.

The bearing heater applies medium-frequency electronics to generate a temperature difference between the bearing and the shaft. The heat causes the bearing to expand, facilitating the installation process as the bearing does not need to be forced to achieve a correct fit.

The unit uses an induction clamp that contains internal coils. A current in the coils generates a fluctuating magnetic field which induces currents within the component that are converted to heat. SKF product manager: MaPro Eddie Martens explains that the process is highly energy-efficient because the heat is generated within the component and not in the clamp.

The light-emitting diode (LED) interface on the unit displays a selection of power settings, including a temperature mode to select the desired bearing temperature, a time mode which sets the length of time that a bearing or component is to be heated. The device also monitors temperature automatically. “The power regulation function (40 °C to 200 °C) allows for sensitive components such as bearings with shields or metallic inserts in the seals to be heated more slowly if required,” adds Martens.

The thin fingers of the induction clamp mean that an operator does not need to select a different yoke for each component, which increases the number of different components that can be heated. This reduces the number of accessories needed, helping to reduce costs.

The medium-frequency technology that heats the components operates silently, so an LED indicator has been incorporated on the control panel to indicate when the heater is in operation.

The use of medium-frequency technology and specific manufacturing materials makes the unit a light, compact bearing heating solution. It is also fitted with a built-in handle and storage pockets for ancillary equipment, making the TMBH 5 portable and versatile enough to be used in a variety of locations such as on the factory floor, at a work bench or in the field.

To ensure safe, efficient bearing heating, the TMBH 5 incorporates extra equipment including a 600 mm magnetic K-type temperature probe, a heater clamp, a bearing stand and protective heat-resistant gloves, all of which are stored in an external side compartment for easy portability.