CERAMIC BAND HEATERS

Ceramic heaters are medium-to-high temperature heaters that can deliver up to 1200°F. The nickel-chrome heating cores of these durable heaters are placed inside interlocking ceramic tiles that are assembled like a brick wall. A ceramic fiber insulating mat and a stainless-steel jacket cover this assembly. This construction makes ceramic heaters flexible and highly energy efficient.

 

An energized ceramic heater that operates at 1200°F internally will attain around 400°F on its outside shell. Ceramic heaters consume 20% less energy than band heaters that are not insulated. Efficiency can be improved even further by increasing the thickness of the ceramic fiber insulating mat.

 

ADVANTAGE OF CERAMIC BAND HEATERS

An additional advantage of Ceramic heaters is that they transfer heat through conduction and radiation. This makes their tightness on barrels less critical; thus, they are less prone to thermal expansion problems. It should be noted that over-tightening a ceramic heater increases the pressure on the ceramic fiber mat, which reduces its insulating efficiency. Therefore it should be avoided. Theoretically, there are no restrictions on the diameter that ceramic heaters can attain; however, because these heaters utilize ceramic tiles that are available only in specific lengths, the width of these heaters falls within a certain incremental range of sizes.

 

BRIGHT HEATER Ceramic band heaters are available with different clamping mechanisms, termination styles, holes and cut-outs.

 

It should be noted that over-tightening a ceramic heater increases the pressure on the ceramic fiber mat, which reduces its insulating efficiency. Therefore it should be avoided. Theoretically, there are no restrictions on the diameter that ceramic heaters can attain; however, because these heaters utilize ceramic tiles that are available only in specific lengths, the width of these heaters falls within a certain incremental range of sizes. Ceramic band heaters are available with different clamping mechanisms, termination styles, holes and cut-outs.

 

TYPICAL HEATING APPLICATIONS OF CERAMIC BAND HEATERS

INJECTION MOLDING MACHINES

PLASTIC EXTRUDERS

BLOW-MOLDING MACHINES

HEATING DIE-HEADS

WIRE PROCESSING MACHINES

RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT

AUTOCLAVES

HEAT TREATING

 

Tips

Because ceramic heaters are highly flexible, it is not necessary to make them in two-piece construction to facilitate installation.

Since wide ceramic heaters are as efficient as narrow ones, it is preferable to opt for wider heaters instead of several narrow ones to eliminate the cold section in-between heaters.

To minimize on-off cycling and temperature overshoots, it is recommended to make the wattage of ceramic heaters as close as possible to the wattage required in the application.

Ceramic heaters are highly vulnerable when exposed to contamination. They should never be used in a hazardous environment or get exposed to moisture or oil.

The current amperage limitation for lead wire exiting directly from a heater is 10 amps.

For Higher than 10 amp applications, lead wires should be combined with a terminal box.

European plugs are adequate for 16 amps.

To have a balanced internal winding, it is recommended to locate the terminals at 180° with respect to the gap.

Ceramic covers could be added to provide safety to exposed terminals.