Induction heating isn’t limited to the shop — new technology allows it to be easily used on the jobsite.

ArcReach® Heating Systems are the newest induction heating solutions from Miller. Designed for jobsite weld preheating in construction and pipe applications, ArcReach Heating Systems deliver weld joint preheating that’s easy to use and significantly faster, safer and less expensive than open-flame or resistance methods.

With ArcReach Heating Systems, contractors can insource weld joint preheating in the field — improving productivity and profitability on the jobsite. ArcReach Heating Systems run off existing welding power sources, further enhancing convenience and lowering costs.

This technology can save several hours and hundreds of dollars per weld joint. Contractors using ArcReach Heating Systems can see a return on their investment by the 11th joint they preheat.

When welding operations hire specialized heat treat companies to perform weld preheating work, it can cost up to $2,000 per weld joint. Another option, resistance heating, requires installing expensive primary electrical power. The third solution is performing the preheating with flame heating, which consumes up to $50 per hour in propane, requires paying fire-watch personnel and creates safety hazards. In addition, prepping and heating a weld joint using any of these methods can take hours.

By comparison, ArcReach Heating Systems allow companies to insource preheating using welding power sources already on site. The system can typically bring a joint to temperature in 20 minutes or less — saving significant time and money. An ArcReach Heating System includes an ArcReach Heater that is used with air-cooled cables or air-cooled quick wraps.

ArcReach Heaters are powered by select models of compatible ArcReach welding power sources, including all XMT® 350 FieldPro™ power sources, any Miller engine-driven welder/generator with ArcReach technology, and any Miller power source that can run a Smart Feeder. The DC power from the welding power source or engine drive is converted into AC current to power the ArcReach Heater, which in turn energizes the air-cooled cables or quick wraps. Standard weld cables connect the compatible power source to the system, with a maximum distance of 250 feet.

Induction heating is faster, safer and more consistent compared to flame and resistance heating methods. ArcReach Heating Systems use electricity from heating tools placed on or around magnetic metal surfaces such as iron or steel to create currents in the metal. These currents pass through the workpiece and are converted to heat — so the workpiece itself is the source of the heat, not the heating tools.