Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is Induction heating and how does it work?

A: Induction heating uses high-frequency magnetic fields to instantly heat metal, providing fast, consistent heat to electrically conductive materials. Once the metal reaches a specific temperature the adhesives holding parts bonded to vehicles begin to release including automotive glass, decals, stripes, moldings, fasteners, spray-on bedliners, vinyl graphics, and more. Watch the video here.

Q: Why do you refer to your equipment as High Performance?

A: Induction Innovations’ state-of-the-art inverters are designed to harness wasted energy that is normally dissipated through large massive heat sinks, typically found in earlier designs. This redirected energy is added to the workload (i.e. sheet metal, nuts, bolts, bearings, etc.) giving you more actual working power on the output end. Others may claim more input power but their output power doesn’t compare.

Q: What can I use Induction Innovations products for?

A: Our flameless heating tools have been designed to solve a problem; how to remove old, rusted or corroded parts and fixings, windows, body moldings, body panels, and more – safely, quickly, and with control.

Q: Will Induction Heat Work for My Application?

A: Our units such as the Mini-Ductor and Inductor Series lines are built to heat ferrous metals. Our heavy-duty ALFe Series is capable of heating aluminum and steel. Check out the applications page for more info!

Note: We can also do some testing for you if you send us the materials that you are trying to heat!

Q: Will the tool heat material such as plastic, wiring, vinyl, and fiberglass?

A: Induction heat uses Invisible Heat^® created by high-frequency magnetic fields that will heat ferrous and some non-ferrous metals. You can use a magnet to test to see if the tool will work prior to use. If the magnet sticks, our tools will heat your metal.

Q: What is the difference between the Mini-Ductor Models?

A: Check out the model comparison guide! The Mini-Ductor II and Mini-Ductor Venom both have 1000 watts whereas the Venom HP is almost twice as fast at 1800 watts.

Q: How long can the Mini-Ductor Series be used during each use?

A: The Mini-Ductor Series recommends a two-minute duty cycle, which will protect the tool from overheating.

Q: What features make the Inductor Series unique?

A: Let’s start with the in-line connector and pneumatic foot switch!

CONNECTOR: Normally, most manufacturers use a panel mount connector for their accessories. The problem with a panel mount connector is tug-damage to the connector from the user, especially when it is tugged from the side. This puts a lot of stress on the connectors and causes damage. By placing the connector in-line not only do you avoid the damage created by a sideways tug, but it gives the user better control for ease of making the connection.

FOOT SWITCH: In the automotive environment, especially in body shops it’s not unusual to find dirt or moisture on the floor which could damage or malfunction an electrical switch. The Inductor Series uses a pneumatic foot pedal to activate a switch inside the power supply where it is protected from the elements, ensuring more reliable trouble-free use.

Q: Can the Inductor harm a car’s computer?

A: Your car’s computer is encased in a metal box, this protects the electronics from the magnetic field. Once the magnetic field hits the outer surface of the metal it stops there, the field does not go through the metal. The effective magnetic field of any of the attachments at best is approximately 2.5″. Between these two factors, computers are pretty well protected.

Q: What is the benefit of using the Inductor Glass Blaster over traditional glass removal techniques?

A: 1) Traditional glass removal techniques like glass knives, vibrating knives, or piano wire pose problems of collateral damage. One slip with a vibrating knife and you can scratch the paint, cut the encapsulation, scratch the black masking, or even worse break the window. The Inductor releases the adhesive bond of the urethane at the pinch weld, eliminating the possibility of collateral damage.

2) Glass knives also have consumable blades that need to be replaced often. The Inductor Glass Blaster has no consumable parts.

3) Traditional techniques require the technician to remove the interior trim panel. The Inductor removes the window from the exterior of the car with little to no need to pull back the trim.

4)  Many of today’s modern vehicle windows are made with deep pockets and curves that knives cannot reach, lips that don’t allow blades to be inserted, or areas near impossible to get near without collateral damage. The Inductor allows the user to hurdle over all these complications with ease.

Q: Can the Inductor break glass?

A: The Inductor only heats metal. Therefore, when used according to the instruction manual it can not break the glass.

Q: Can it damage the E-coat?

A: If you follow the instructions and proper use for the Inductor you will not damage the e-coat. Overheating to a temperature that can damage the e-coat would have to be intentional in a professional’s hands.

Q: Can you purchase the insulation around the coil?

A: While you cannot purchase the insulation from us, you can purchase replacement coils here.

Q: How long do the coils typically last?

A: Each coil can last for several hundred uses or more. Using a coil that is properly sized for your application, avoiding abrasion and overheating will prevent premature wear to the coil. Be sure to leave a small gap between the coil and the nut or bolt being heated. For more info, watch this video.

Q: What happens if my coils become blackened and/or frayed?

A: If your coils become blackened and/or frayed they need to be replaced. The coils will brown to burn off the coating on the fiberglass and then it will turn white. Be sure that the copper is not being exposed. Click here for good coil usage.

Q: Where can I purchase the tools?

A: You can purchase through our website, but we encourage purchasing through authorized distributors.

A: In order to find an authorized dealer that sells our tools, you can go to our website and click on the Resellers tab. Punch in your zip code and it will give you a list of distributors near you.

Q: How long does the warranty last?

A: The warranty on a Mini-Ductor II is one year. The warranty for the Mini-Ductor Venom and Venom HP is two years. Click here for more info on warranties.

Q: Where can I send in a unit for repair?

A: Units can be sent to our headquarters at 1175 Jansen Farm Court, Elgin, IL 60123. We ask that you include all of your attachments plus the attached form so that once our Repairs Department looks over the tool, we can contact you about the needed repairs.  Download the form here.

Q: How long do repairs take?

A: Once we receive the tool, it usually takes 1-2 business days for the Repairs Department to examine it. At that time, a member of our Customer Service team will reach out and contact you.

Q: How much does a repair cost?

A: It varies from the type of unit and what kind of repair is needed. To know for sure, the unit will have to be sent to our Repairs Department. Before sending us your unit for repair, we do suggest that you call in or contact us to troubleshoot the issue.

A: For a Mini-Ductor unit, it can range anywhere from $50-$120 or more plus shipping and handling. With our Inductor Series units, it is harder to estimate the cost because repairing a power supply is a different expense than if an attachment needs to be replaced.

Q: Can I purchase spare parts?

A: Other than thumbscrews, we do not sell parts for our Mini-Ductor tools. Do not open your tool and try to repair it yourself. The warranty will be voided if the tool is opened. If you are in need of a new casing, circuitry, or the unit just isn’t running, send it in for a repair.

Q: Can I send my DLX unit in for repair?

A: Yes, we can repair DLX units!

Q: Will the current attachments (U-311, U-411, etc.) work with the DLX?

A: No, because the DLX is about 20 years old, our current attachments will not work because they have updated circuitry. If you are in this position, you can send us the DLX and we can fit the current attachments to the unit. However, if you have any old attachments those will no longer work.

Email us at [email protected] or fill out this contact form here

Call us 877-688-9633

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