University of Florida Scientists Pioneer rapid, Energy-Saving Heat Treatment Technology
Researchers at the University of Florida (UF) have developed a novel heat treatment process called Induction-Coupled Thermomagnetic Processing (ITMP) with the potential to considerably reduce energy consumption and processing times in key industrial sectors. The breakthrough centers around combining magnetic fields with volumetric induction heating to accelerate carbon diffusion in steel.
The ITMP system demonstrably speeds up the heat treatment process, achieving reductions in processing time of up to 80% compared to traditional methods reliant on natural gas or direct electricity. This efficiency translates directly into considerable energy savings. Unlike conventional techniques, ITMP utilizes a high-intensity static magnetic field as a driving force, altering the phase stability and kinetics of materials for more effective thermal treatments and a reduced carbon footprint.
“What previously required eight hours of heat treatment can now be done in a matter of minutes,” explains Yang Yang, Ph.D., a member of the UF research team. This speed is expected to have a ample impact on energy-intensive industries including metallurgy, construction, and automotive manufacturing.
The core of the project is a custom-built superconductor magnet, standing nearly two meters tall, housed within the Powell Family Structures and Materials Laboratory at UF. The complete system, exceeding $6 million in cost, is capable of processing steel samples up to 12.7 centimeters in diameter, making it a unique and strategically valuable asset for both academic research and potential industrial applications. A key innovation lies in its ability to process large components while maintaining magnetic field intensity – a feat previously unattainable at this scale.
Michael Kesler, a principal researcher at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), highlights the technology’s potential to improve energy efficiency in the production of steel and aluminum alloys.
Beyond efficiency gains, the progress aligns with broader efforts to electrify industrial processes and reduce reliance on natural gas, a crucial step towards decarbonizing the economy.ITMP not only lowers energy use but also optimizes it by directly influencing the atomic structure of the treated material.The system is also designed for potential integration with renewable energy sources like solar or wind power, further minimizing emissions.
While currently in a pilot phase, UF researchers anticipate industrial adoption within the next decade. Collaboration with sector companies is already underway, and a prototype presentation is scheduled for december, involving industry representatives, national laboratories, and academic institutions.
The project also provides a valuable training ground for UF engineering students, offering hands-on experience with clean energy and emerging technologies, and fostering a new generation of environmentally conscious industry professionals.
(Source: https://news.ufl.edu/2025/09/uf-develops-superconducting-magnet/)
