Study on the Induction Heating Temperature Field in a Vulcanizing Machine Aimed at Temperature Uniformity Control

Abstract

Rubber vulcanization is a critical process in manufacturing rubber, where heating system performance critically affects product quality and energy efficiency. Conventional steam heating often produces high energy consumption, slow preheating, and poor temperature uniformity. Electromagnetic induction heating offers higher efficiency and rapid thermal response; however, achieving uniform temperature distribution across complex mold geometries remains a significant challenge. This study investigates the temperature field uniformity of electromagnetic induction heating for the upper and lower hot plates and movable dies of the tire vulcanizer. Through the combination of experimental tests and COMSOL simulations, the influences of different coil structures (double-layer coils in the front 6 grooves; double-layer coils in the front 12 grooves; alternating single-layer and double-layer coils; full double-layer coils) and material parameters are analyzed. The results show that using double-layer coils in the front 12 grooves, combined with Mg-Al alloy pattern blocks, significantly improves the temperature uniformity, so that the maximum temperature difference on the pattern surface can be controlled within 0.61°C, which meets the technological requirements of ±3°C. This research provides an optimized solution for high-precision vulcanization and demonstrates strong potential for engineering applications.

Keywords: electromagnetic heating, hot plate, temperature uniformity, coil configuration, material optimization