Cartridge Heater
Expandable Cartridge Heaters
Expandable Cartridge Heaters
At any given temperature the maximum watt-density that can be applied to a conventional cartridge heater depends on the clearance between the cartridge and the insertion hole of a die or a mold. The larger the clearance the less efficient is the heat transfer from the cartridge to its surrounding. Excessive clearances might cause premature failures Expandable cartridge heaters are made for insertion holes that through wear has become oversized or intentionally are made larger than acceptable tolerances to facilitate the removal of failed cartridges.
Expandable cartridge heaters have two legs that are joined together at the tip. The two legs are made from single tubular heater that has a semicircular cross-section. When Expandable heaters energize, the two semicircular legs expand with respect each other and press against the insertion hole wall.
- 1 – Energized Standard Cartridge Heaters
- 2 – Unenergized Expandable Cartridge Heaters
- 3 – Energized Expandable Cartridge Heaters
| Available Diameters Tolerances and Limitations | ||||||
| Nominal Diameters | 0.25″ | 0.375″ | 0.5″ | 0.625″ | 0.75″ | 1″ |
| Actual Diameters (+/- 0.003″) | 0.245″ | 0.370″ | 0.495″ | 0.620″ | 0.745″ | 0.995″ |
| Max Insertion Length | 18″ | 36″ | 48″ | 72″ | 72″ | 72″ |
| Min Insertion Length | 2″ | 2″ | 2.5″ | 3″ | 5″ | 8″ |
| Maximum Voltage | 240V | 240V | 240V | 480V | 480V | 480V |
| Wattage Tolerance | +5 / -10% | |||||
| Length Tolerance | +/- 3% up to 24″, +/- 2% above 24″ | |||||
- Applications
- Terminations
Typical Heating Applications
- Plastic Molding
- Packaging Equipment
- Plastic Extrusion
- Labeling Machines
- Platens and Dies
- Hot Stamping
Terminations and Mounting Styles
A3 Style
Right angle high temperature leads
K2 Style
Right angle SS braided high temperature leads
A1 Style
High temperature fiberglass leads straight
K1 Style
SS braided high temperature leads
X1 Style
High temperature leads with armor cable
X2 Style
Right angle high temperature leads with armor cable
PT Style
Screw terminals
FL Style
Flange mounting attachments or stop rings
FAQs
How does an expandable cartridge heater work?
When most metals heat up, they naturally expand. The split sheath cartridge benefits by using this feature.
Where are expandable cartridge heaters commonly used?
They are used when a hole gets worn and the common size heater no longer produces expected results.
Can expandable cartridge heaters handle high temperatures?
They are able to produce 1200°F
Are expandable cartridge heaters energy efficient?
They are efficient but based on the design and fit of the heater.
Are expandable cartridge heaters suitable for repeated thermal cycling?
They are reliable for constant thermal cycling.
