Handheld induction heaters

Handheld induction heaters and the operating principle

The handheld induction heaters in this product group work on the medium-frequency induction heating principle. Current flowing through the coil generates an alternating magnetic field. This field heats the metal part placed inside or next to the coil directly. As a result, the technician can soften the part right at its installation position without dismantling the whole assembly.

The two main models in the group are the BETEX iDuctor 1 with 1200W power output and the iDuctor 2 with 2300W power output. Both use coils to transfer heat into the part. The iDuctor 2 model is manufactured by Bega Special Tools in the Netherlands. The heating temperature range of this model lies between 300 and 600°C.

Comparing the two models by power output

Model selection depends on part size and work frequency. The higher the power output, the shorter the time needed to reach temperature for the same mass of metal. The two power levels of 1200W and 2300W in this group create two different application ranges. Users should consider the types of bolts, bearings or mechanical parts commonly handled in their workshop.

1200W model

The BETEX iDuctor 1 model carries the Schaeffler code 231101 with 1200W power output. The handheld design allows direct operation at the position of the part being treated. The machine uses a coil as the heating element, suited to softening mechanical parts. Accessories for this model include a rigid coil set and a flexible induction coil, depending on the part shape.

2300W model

The iDuctor 2 model has 2300W power output, nearly double that of the 1200W model. According to the description, reaching a heating temperature of 300 to 600°C takes only a few seconds. The machine operates on the same principle as a medium-frequency induction heater and also uses coils. The stated origin is the Netherlands, manufactured by the company Bega Special Tools.

Coils and accompanying accessories

The coil determines the range of part sizes the machine can handle. This group offers two rigid coil sets and one flexible induction coil. Each set is designed for a specific machine model and should not be interchanged at will. Buyers should confirm the exact machine model in use before choosing replacement or additional accessories.

Rigid coil set for iDuctor 1

Code 231204 comprises 9 rigid coils for the Schaeffler iDuctor 1 induction heater. Among them are 8 rigid coils corresponding to the sizes M30, M24, M20, M16, M12, M10 and M08. The remaining coil has a U shape. The wire diameter is Ø3.5mm. The maximum heating temperature of this coil set reaches 250°C according to the specifications published by the manufacturer.

Rigid coil set for iDuctor 2

Code Dây 231304 is a set of 9 rigid coils for the Schaeffler iDuctor 2 handheld induction heater. The wire diameter is Ø3.5mm, heating up to 250°C. The coils correspond to bolt sizes M30, M24, M20, M16, M12, M10 and M08. The set also contains one U-shaped coil. This configuration matches the set for the iDuctor 1 but is used with the higher-power model.

Flexible induction coil

Code 231202 is a 1.1m Schaeffler induction coil used with the iDuctor 1 induction heater. The coil has a flexible structure, so it bends to follow the shape of the part. The coil turns can be arranged inside, wrapped around, or laid against the surface to be treated. This flexible arrangement supports on-the-spot heating work on mechanical parts with non-standard shapes.

How to choose according to your needs

The first step in choosing a machine is determining the sizes of bolts and parts commonly handled. If the work focuses on thread sizes from M08 to M30, the rigid coil set covers this range. For parts with complex shapes, the flexible induction coil allows access to positions where a rigid coil is difficult to fit around.

The second step is to consider power output. The 1200W model serves a moderate workload. The 2300W model shortens heating time thanks to its higher power output. The third step is checking accessory compatibility. The 231204 set and the 231202 coil are for the iDuctor 1. The Dây 231304 set is for the iDuctor 2.

Applications in mechanical maintenance

Handheld induction heating serves tasks that require softening metal in place. Bearings, bolts and tightly fitted components are the usual subjects. When the metal is heated, the resulting expansion makes removal and fitting easier. A handheld induction heater lets the maintenance technician bring the equipment to the machinery rather than the other way around.

According to the manufacturer's description, the BETEX iDuctor 1 is intended for softening components. The iDuctor 2 model reaches the 300 to 600°C range within a few seconds. The 231202 induction coil focuses on on-the-spot heating work on mechanical parts. Each configuration serves a different maintenance situation in the workshop.

Notes on use and storage

The maximum heating temperature of the rigid coil sets in this group is 250°C. Users should keep track of this limit during operation. The Ø3.5mm wire diameter determines the rigidity and load capacity of the coil. Using the correct coil size matching the thread size helps concentrate the heat on the exact area of the part being treated.

When replacing accessories, check the machine code before ordering. The coil sets for the iDuctor 1 and iDuctor 2 carry different codes even though the configurations are similar. The flexible induction coil should have its insulation surface inspected periodically. After each shift, let the machine and coils cool down completely before storing them in the case.

Ordering and consultation

The handheld induction heater group currently comprises 5 codes: two machine models and three coil accessory sets. Click each code to view detailed specifications. If you have not yet determined the configuration suited to the parts in your workshop, please get in touch for advice based on your specific sizes and type of work.