Definition
A type of electric furnace used to melt metal by passing a strong alternating current through a coil that surrounds the metal. The changing magnetic field produced by the coil induces electrical currents (eddy currents) inside the metal itself, and the resistance of the metal to those currents generates the heat that melts it.
Plain English
A furnace that melts metal without flames. A coil around the metal creates a strong magnetic field, which makes electricity flow inside the metal and heats it up until it melts.
Context Anchor
Seen in aircraft materials, manufacturing, welding, and heat-treatment discussions, especially when metal parts are being made or repaired.
Derivation
From the Latin 'inducere,' meaning 'to lead in.' The furnace 'leads' electrical current into the metal without touching it, using a magnetic field instead of direct contact.
Why Pilots Care
Many aircraft components — particularly engine parts, landing gear, and structural fittings — are made from alloy steels produced in induction furnaces. The clean, controlled melting process produces metal of consistent quality, which matters for parts that must perform reliably under high stress.
Analogy
It is like heating the metal from the inside out by making electricity move inside it, rather than heating only the outside with a fire.
Intuition Check
Do not confuse this with an aircraft engine induction system, which brings air into the engine. In “induction furnace,” induction means electrical heating caused by magnetism.
Example Sentence 1
High-strength steel alloys used in aircraft engine components are often melted in an induction furnace to keep contamination low.
Example Sentence 2
During component overhaul, the induction furnace allowed precise temperature control when preparing high-strength alloys for turbine blade repair.