Electronic Tin Fusion

Abstract

Application of electronic methods to the fusion of electrolytic tin plate is an important recent technological advance in the steel industry. It has played a prominent part in the conservation of tin, whereby tin plate is now produced using considerably less tin than heretofore. Handling operations have been greatly reduced, and the rate of production of tin plate speeded up to 500 feet per minute with some installations being made in anticipation that in the near future these tin lines may be operated at 1000 feet per minute. One tin mill alone has 3730 kilowatts installed capacity of electronic high-frequency generators operating at 200 kilocycles, which is comparable to the total installed power of all the broadcast stations in the United States. This pioneering example of high-frequency electronic equipment of substantial power-handling capacity at work in industry undoubtedly is the forerunner of many processes where high-frequency heating has as yet been unthought of but where, if applied, would produce a superior product, speed up operation, and effect operating economies.