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Induction heating applied to brazing and its applications

Fabrice Barbeau

The presentation offers an introduction on the principle of induction heating, its application for brazing, and its developments in the luxury watchmaking and jewelry sectors.

First, we will examine what induction heating entails, discussing the physical principles, operating mechanisms, and key design criteria that underpin this fascinating technology. Next, we will connect these concepts to the practical application of induction heating in brazing, highlighting the intrinsic advantages and limitations of this method and how they affect its effectiveness.

The next segment will focus on the essential guidelines for selecting the most suitable assemblies for induction heating. Key success factors will be emphasized, such as tool adaptation, the properties of solder paste, and compliance with specific requirements for high-end applications.

Finally, various application examples and the impressive results achieved through the use of induction heating in luxury watchmaking and jewelry will be presented.

Bio

Fabrice Barbeau

Dr. Fabrice Barbeau, Materials Chemistry Master degree (M.Sc., INP Clermont-Ferrand) – PhD in Materials Science, UCB Lyon I An expert in materials chemistry, he has more than 20 years of experience in the transformation of metallic materials and especially for special assembly processes with the title of expert for laser welding and brazing. Its range of skills goes from R&D to production start-up, including all technical product and process qualifications After a first experience in R&D and industrialization in an aluminium foundry for automotive parts (Valfond) as part of his PhD. His career was directed towards a company producing special copper alloys mainly for welding (Le Bronze Alloys). This was followed by 15 years’ experience in swiss luxury watchmaking, where he developed laser welding and became responsible for brazing developments. He then spent 2 years in the Aerospace sector (Air Liquide Advanced Technology) on the assembly of cryogenic tanks by TIG and Laser for launch vehicle; before joining C.HAFNER & HILDERBRAND SA as chief technical officer for 2 years.