Miniature Cartridge Heaters

Miniature cartridge heaters are roughly defined as electrical cartridge heaters 3" or shorter in length, having diameters of 1/8", 5/32", or 3/16", and providing high watt densities (although low to medium watt densities are available). Their exterior construction is usually 304 or 316 stainless steel, with internal nickel chromium (Nichrome) resistance wire. A variety of electrical lead wire configurations to meet the needs of the application are available. Because of their swaged (machine compressed) construction, miniature cartridge heaters provide a high level of shock and vibration resistance, as well as good dielectric strength.

Miniature cartridge heaters are used to provide localized, concentrated heat to small component parts or in restricted work spaces. Dies and platens, as well as a variety of other types of OEM processing machinery, are efficiently heated by miniature cartridge heaters.

Typical OEM Uses for Miniature Cartridge Heaters

• Gas monitoring equipment / analyzers
• 3D printing machine
• Medical equipment and devices 
• Ink printing and labeling machines
• Mass spectrometers
• Analytical process instrumentation
• Optical equipment
• Gas chromatography

Operating temperatures as high as 1200 deg. F can be attained with careful attention paid to the application. Miniature cartridge heaters are almost always mounted in a close tolerance holes or swiftly circulating fluids because their often very high power densities would cause them to self-destruct if run full power in open air or stagnant fluids. As with all cartridge heaters, lifespan is directly proportional to the success or ability to move the heat from the internal nickel chromium resistance wire into the heated part or process. Therefore, careful consideration must be giving to hole tolerances or process flow rate before application.  It is common for miniature cartridge heaters to include internal thermocouples for temperature control and limiting purposes.

For more information about miniature cartridge heaters, contact BCE.
https://bcemfg.com
510-274-1990