Tape heaters are versatile and cost-effective heating elements that provide reliable surface contact heating. They come in various wattages and constructions, with terminations and custom options available. They can reach high temperatures, with mineral and mica-insulated tape heaters being the most effective. Band heaters are commonly used for process air heating and moisture protection, as well as in original equipment and plastic shaping applications.
Tape heaters are versatile heating elements used in a wide variety of applications. They are generally considered to be cost effective and easy to install, as they provide reliable surface contact heating, particularly over large areas. Easy to control, these heaters can be purchased in a wide variety of wattages and come in regular ribbon and finned constructions.
Typically, tape heaters are robust in construction and have a wide variety of terminations. They are available in many sizes, with holes and notches to meet the requirements of your particular heating application. They can also be custom made.
Their construction depends on the particular heating application. Their sheath temperatures can be quite high, usually between 700°F and 1,400°F (about 370°C to 760°C). These temperatures vary depending on a number of factors, including the type of jacket material and the insulation used.
The highest temperatures are achieved with mineral insulated tape heaters. With stainless steel construction, they can reach 1,400°F (760°C). Mica-insulated tape heaters, made of galvanized steel, can reach 900°F (482°C). When constructed using stainless steel, this type of heater can reach 1,200°C (649°F).
Band heaters are often used for process air heating in applications such as cabinet heating, baking ovens and ovens used for vacuum drying. Also effective for surface heating, they can be used with a variety of surfaces, including, but not limited to, molds, tanks, plates, and moulds. These heaters are often attached or bolted to surfaces for use in heating applications.
Moisture protection is another common use of heaters. They are often used in motor and control cabinets as well as a variety of other areas that need protection from moisture. Frequently used for winterizing, these heaters are often used for hoppers and conveyor belts. Duct and defrost applications, as well as those used in automotive heating, also commonly require ribbon heating elements.
Some types of original equipment also use them, and they’re considered useful for everything from air conditioning and lab equipment to food packaging and some presses. This type of heater is often used for drying equipment.
Another interesting way to use band heaters involves shaping some plastics. For this type of application, a heater is used to heat the plastic, making it flexible enough to mold into a variety of formations. This process is commonly used with acrylic plastics.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
