SKF bearing induction heaters: TIH, TMBH and TWIM series

Bearings that sit on the shaft with an interference fit are mounted hot: heating the inner ring opens the bore just enough for the bearing to slide on by hand and grip firmly once it cools. The usual mounting temperature is around 110 °C (230 °F). Going higher does not help: it can change the heat treatment of the steel and, on sealed or factory-greased bearings, damage the seals and the grease.

An induction heater does this job evenly and under control. The bearing hangs on the yoke, closes the magnetic circuit of the unit, and the heat is generated in the part itself. A probe on the inner ring stops the cycle when the selected temperature is reached, and yoke-type heaters demagnetize the bearing at the end so it does not attract metal chips.

It replaces two workshop habits worth dropping: the open flame, which heats unevenly and ruins the bearing, and the oil bath, which contaminates the part and is a hazard for whoever handles it.

The choice comes from the largest and the smallest part you need to heat. Four figures narrow down the model: the bore diameter (the yoke passes through it), the outside diameter, the width and the weight of the bearing. Within the TIH series the number in the designation grows with the size of the unit: the TIH 030M/230V is a bench heater for small and medium bearings, the TIH 100M/230V covers medium and large parts, and the TIH 220M and TIH L units are built for large, heavy bearings.

The power supply at your plant matters too: the suffix of the part number indicates the electrical version (for example /230V, or /LV and /MV on the large units), so send us the full part number or tell us which voltage you have. For field work or small bearings, look at the portable TMBH 1 and TWIM 15/230V.

If you are not sure which model fits, send us on WhatsApp the part number of the largest bearing you will mount (or its dimensions and weight) and we will quote it.

Control the temperature with the probe on the inner ring, not by eye and not by time unless you know the part. Wear heat-resistant gloves: the bearing leaves the heater above 100 °C. Mount it in one movement, pushing it against the shaft shoulder and holding it for a few seconds until it grips. Sealed and greased bearings tolerate less heat than open ones: when in doubt, check the limit in the manufacturer's documentation. And never use an open flame on a bearing.