Different Types of Band Heaters 

Band heaters play a vital role in maintaining process temperature or melting. There are different styles and types of band heaters, including the Mica band heater. The power wattage is dependent on the cycle time, the material to be processed, and the material quantity. Many people experience hardships when buying a band heater. However, the idea is to analyze the performance, features, wattage, voltage, and maximum sheath temperature. Below is a comprehensive guide to band heaters that will help you choose the best for your material processing procedures.

Types of Band Heaters 

There are different band heaters, and they are built from an electrically insulating material, steel sheath, and resistance wire. The most important aspect of the band heater is the wattage. Below are the types of band heaters.

Mica band heaters 

Mica band heaters are built using plate mica, nichrome resistance wire, and a 20-24-gauge rust-resistant sheath. The steel sheath supports the plate mica, where the nichrome resistance wire is coiled. The band heater is capable of withstanding up to 649 degrees Celsius.

Mica band heaters are designed keenly to avoid holes, voids, and grooves. Holes on the surface contribute to hot spots, which are dangerous. Therefore, the mica model has a tight fit between the nozzle and the heater.

Mica band heaters are cost-effective, flexible, and durable. They are made in different shapes and forms, including rectangular and round. Even though mica band heaters are flexible, they are stiff. It’s possible to damage the mica sheet when flexing, which can impair material processing exercise.

Ceramic Band Heaters 

Ceramic heaters are the second type and are built using 24-26-gauge aluminized or stainless steel. The nichrome wire is coiled on aluminized or stainless steel and reinforced by intertwining ceramic blocks. Ceramic blocks are made from steatite, silicon carbide, or cordierite. However, a material is used to build the ceramic blocks depending on the used application.

Ceramic band heaters are energy efficient and can withstand a maximum temperature of 760 degrees Celsius. Additionally, they are overly flexible. Due to their flexibility, ceramic heaters are made in a single segment, although they can be made in two, three, or four pieces.

Mineral Band Heaters 

Mineral heaters are constructed with a stainless sheath, nichrome element, and mineral insulation. The mineral insulation is made from pressed magnesium oxide to form a sheet shape. Mineral band heaters withstand a maximum temperature of 760 degrees Celsius.

Mineral insulated heaters are energy efficient. However, the magnesium oxide used for the mineral insulation is hydroscopic, hence the low heater’s dielectric power.

Tubular Band Heaters 

Inconel tubing or stainless steel is used to build the tubular band heaters. Like the mineral band heater, magnesium oxide is used for insulation. Tubular heaters are cylindrically shaped and are characterized by their remarkable heat transfer. Tubular band heaters have the power to withstand a maximum of 649 degrees Celsius.

Understanding the different band heaters available in the market helps you determine the best for your processing procedures. Therefore, ensure to examine the material to be processed and the processing time before selecting a heater band. Additionally, ensure to investigate the maximum temperature a band heater can withstand.