A Cartridge Heater is a highly versatile electrical heater that is used to heat metal parts in a variety of industrial settings. It is inserted into a close-fitting hole or solid platen mold. This type of heating element provides even heat distribution and superior heat transfer. High-kilowatt applications benefit from this type of heating element. Some common applications include dyeing molds, sealing bars, and platen heating. This type of heat source is filled with high-purity magnesium oxide. Its watt density can reach up to 50 w/cm.

A Cartridge Heater Manufacturer Must Consider The Environment In Which It Will Be Used

The inside diameter of the heating element is larger than the inside diameter of the bore, so the heater must be sized appropriately. To ensure a tight fit, the outside diameter of the heating element should be greater than the inside diameter of the bore. To keep the heating element from overheating, manufacturers usually downsize the heater by 0.002 or 0.05 inches. For example, a 0.5-inch nominal-diameter heater will be manufactured to 0.495-inch or 0.4998-inch in diameter.

A cartridge heater manufacturer must consider the environment in which it will be used. The termination area of a heater is particularly vulnerable to contamination due to dripping oil or other process-related contaminants. For this reason, the heater manufacturer must carefully consider the conditions in which it will operate. In order to minimize the chances of damage, a heater manufacturer may use RTV rubber or ceramic potting, crimped high-density plugs, or rigid tubes over wires. These materials will ensure conductive heat transfer, which is crucial for a cartridge’s performance. Radiant heat transfer, on the other hand, limits heat transfer by restricting the amount of energy that can be transferred to the material.