The Benefits of Cartridge Heaters

For more than 90 years, Hedin Heaters has specialised in the manufacture and supply of quality cartridge heaters, providing the components to clients around the world.

Highly sought after in the plastics and processing industry, cartridge heaters provide a whole host of benefits to the user.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at how cartridge heaters work as well as the range of benefits they provide.

What Are Cartridge Heaters?

Easily recognisable due to their normally tube-like appearance (although square and split sheath profiles are available), cartridge heaters are the heating element of choice in a wide range of industrial practises.

This can include plastic extrusion, machine tool heating and foundry applications among many more.

In recent years cartridge heaters have become the component of choice in many industries, primarily due to their versatility and the ability to be built with varying watts densities to suit a range of tasks.

Cartridge heaters are made up of a resistance coil that is typically wrapped around a dielectric ceramic core and insulated with magnesium oxide (MgO) before being hermetically sealed within a sheath metal. This seal increases the longevity of the resistance wire as well as preventing oxidation of the wire at even the highest temperatures.

When they are powered up, the resistance coil becomes hot (our products can reach a temperature of up to 750°C) and the heat is transferred to the sheath and the space around the component. This is an efficient transfer of heat due to how the heater can move heat to every area in its proximity.

The Benefits of Cartridge Heaters

High-Temperature Capability: Cartridge heaters are capable of reaching high temperatures, up to 750°C. This makes them suitable for applications that require precise and controlled heating in extreme temperature environments.
Quick Heating and Response Time: Cartridge heaters have a relatively fast heating and response time. They can reach their maximum operating temperature within minutes, allowing for efficient and timely heating processes.
Compact and Versatile Design: Cartridge heaters are compact in size and can be manufactured in various diameters and lengths to fit different applications. Their cylindrical shape makes them easy to install and mount in tight spaces, providing flexibility in design and placement.
Uniform Heat Distribution: Cartridge heaters provide uniform heat distribution along their length. This ensures consistent and reliable heating, preventing hot spots or cold areas within the heated medium. Uniform heating is particularly crucial for applications that require precise temperature control.
Durability and Longevity: Cartridge heaters are built to withstand harsh operating conditions. They are constructed using high-quality materials such as stainless steel or incoloy, which provides excellent resistance to corrosion and mechanical stress. This durability ensures a long service life even in demanding industrial environments.
Customizable and Configurable: Cartridge heaters can be customized to meet specific application requirements. They can be tailored in terms of wattage, voltage, dimensions, lead wire options, and termination styles. This customization capability allows for precise matching of the heater to the intended application.
Energy Efficiency: Cartridge heaters offer energy efficiency due to their direct heat transfer and localized heating. Since they are inserted directly into the medium to be heated, there is minimal heat loss during the transfer process. This efficiency can lead to reduced energy consumption and cost savings over time.
Easy Replacement and Maintenance: In case of a failure or the need for maintenance, cartridge heaters can be easily replaced without requiring significant downtime. Their straightforward installation and removal process simplify maintenance tasks and minimize production disruptions.
Manufactured to tight tolerances: Cartridge heaters are manufactured to H7 dimensional tolerances so each unit will fit exactly as required. A good fit will enable better surface contact with the medium being heated and negate the need for a thermal transfer paste to be applied. Both factors make for a more efficient transfer of heat.
Integral Thermocouple: Cartridge heaters can be supplied with an inbuilt thermocouple which allows for better response times and make them a more efficient heating solution.

Specialists in Cartridge Heaters

The team here at Hedin Heaters has supplied cartridge heaters around the world and offers the best technical knowledge, competitive prices and the ability to fulfil orders of large quantities of products. For more information, get in touch with our team today.