Band Heaters
Mineral Insulated Band Heaters
Mineral Insulated Band Heaters
Mineral insulated band heaters are rugged and heavy duty heaters made for applications that require high temperatures (up to 1400ºF) and high watt densities (up to 100 w/in2). These heaters are ideal for increasing output especially in injection molding and to meet the heating requirements to process newly engineered high tech resins. The nickel chrome resistive material inside a mineral insulated heater is embedded in Aluminum Oxide insulating medium which provides excellent heat transfer and dielectric strength. A stainless steel outside casing gives external protection. Bucan Mineral insulated band heaters are made with various clamping mechanisms, electrical termination styles, thermocouples and can be manufactured with holes and cut-out.
- Applications
- Selection
- Terminations
- Constructions
- Tips
Typical Heating Applications:
- Injection Molding Machines
- Plastic Extruders
- Blow-Molding Machines
- Heat Treating Pipes
- Cylinder Heating Applications
Physical and electrical ratings and limitations
- Maximum temperature: 1400ºF
- Max ID for one piece construction: 14″
- Max ID for two piece construction: 26″
- Max width: 6″
- Gap: 1/4″ to 3/4″ depending on width
- Max width for heaters less than 3″: Twice the diameter
- Max voltage: 480V
- Max amps for leads: 10 Amps
- Max amps for screw terminals (10-32 UNF): 22 Amps
- Sheath Material: Stainless Steel 430
Dimensional Limitation with Different Type of Terminals
| Termination | Min. ID (in) | Min. Width (in) |
| B1 | 2 | 2 |
| B2 | 2 | 1.5 |
| G | 4 | 1.5 |
| LP | 1.5 | 1.5 |
| E | 1.5 | 1.5 |
| H | 2 | 2 |
| K00 | 4 | 1.5 |
| K90 | 4 | 1.5 |
B1 Style
Post terminals (10-32 UNF) placed along the width of the heater side by side
B2 Style
Post terminals (10-32 UNF) placed Along the length of the heater side by side.
G-STYLE - TERMINAL BOX
Post terminals (10-32 UNF) placed inside a heavy duty stainless steel terminal box that eliminates the risk of electrical shock and shorting.
LP Style
Low profile terminal cover for stainless steel braided high temperature leads. The orientation of the leads could be across the width or parallel to the circumferential length of the heater.
E Style
Stainless steel braided high temperature leads exiting vertically on the surface of the heater.
H Style
A flexible steel hose protecting high temperature leads exiting vertically on the surface of the heater
K00 Style
European plug placed on a terminal box in a vertical position vertical with box
K90 Style
European plug with a terminal box placed in a 90° position.
Dimensional Limitations
| Construction | ID (in) | Width (in) | ||
| Max. | Min. | Max. | Min. | |
| One-piece | 14 | 1.5 | 6 | 1.5 |
| Two-piece | 26 | 3 | 6 | 1.5 |
| Expendable | 14 | 3 | 6 | 1.5 |
| Hinged | 26 | 6 | 6 | 1.5 |
For dimensions out of the limitations, please contact the factory for further information.
One piece construction
To secure good clamping and efficient heat transfer, recommended width 2in -3in.
Two piece construction
To facilitate the installation on a barrel. This construction type is recommended either for heaters having internal diameters above 14in. Max ID 26in.
Hinged construction
Two piece construction heaters with a hinge on one side. The terminals of these heaters are made 90° with respect to the gap or next to the gap.
Expandable construction
Two piece construction heaters that have a common top sheet. This construction type allows the opening of the heater in order to install it on a barrel. The terminals of these heaters are made 90° with respect to the gap or next to the gap.
Holes and Cutouts
Mineral insulated heaters can incorporate holes and cut outs with certain dimensional restrictions.
Selection tips
The chart (seen above) is a watt-density selection guide for different heater diameters.
The following points should also be considered.
- The watt-density for heaters wider than 2″ should be reduced by 25%.
- The watt-density for heaters that have an insulating jacket should be reduced by 30%.
- To maintain moderate on-off cycles, it is recommended to make the wattage of an MI heater as close as possible to the application wattage.
- Multiple narrow heaters (1.5″ – 2.5″) are preferable to a single wide heater.
- Because they run at high temperatures and are exposed to severe thermal expansions, MI heaters should be retightened (after the initial tightening) when their temperature reaches 400°F. Disconnect power before tightening.
- Holes and cutouts increase the unheated sections and complicate the internal construction of a heater. In most cases it is possible to use a wider gap instead.
FAQs
What are mineral-insulated heating elements?
Mineral insulated heaters are Electric resistors insulated with a special form of ceramic.
How is MI insulation different from mica insulation?
The insulation can maintain a much higher temperature
Should I use multiple narrow MI heaters instead of one wide unit?
The design is best based on the power required and the space available.
Can holes and cutouts be added to Mineral Insulated heaters?
MI Heaters can have holes but are very limited due to the construction.
What are the dimensional limits for hinged MI band heaters?
The hinged design must be designed by our engineering team to assure the forming and function of the hinge.
