Band Heaters
THINBAND® Mica Barrel and Nozzle
Special Mica Barrel and Nozzle
Watlow's Barrel and Nozzle heaters are ideal for every type of plastics processing equipment, led by the high performance MI (Mineral Insulated) Barrel heater, followed by the patented, Flexible THINBAND® heater and the standard Mica Band heater.
| Band Heater Type | Maximum Watt Density | Maximum Operating Temperature |
| MI Band | 230 W/in² (15.5 W/cm²) | 1400 °F (760 °C) |
| THINBAND® and Mica Band | 55 W/in² (8.5 W/cm²) | 900 °F (480 °C) |
Applications:
- Extruders
- Blown Film Dies
- Plastics Injection Molding Machinery
- Cylindrical Heating Applications
MI Barrel and Nozzle
The MI Barrel and Nozzle is a high performance heater. It's performance and name are derived from Watlow's exclusive MI (Mineral Insulated), a material that has much higher thermal conductivity than the mica and hard ceramic insulators used in conventional heaters.
A thin layer of the "high" thermal conductive MI (Mineral Insulated) materials is used to electrically insulate the element wire from the inside diameter of the heater sheath. A thicker, "low" thermal conductivity layer backs up the element wire, directing the heat inward towards the part that is being heated.
The result is more efficient heat transfer, a performance solution that lowers element wire temperatures and increases heater life.
Performance Capabilities:
- Heater Operating Temperatures up to 1400 °F (760 °C)
- Watt Densities up to 230 W/in (35.6 W/cm) (available on small diameter nozzle bands)
- Watt Densities up to 100 W/in (15.5 W/cm) (available on large diameter barrel bands)
Features:
- Operating temperatures up to 1400 °F (760 °C) make it possible to safely melt even the newest resins, like PEEK®, Teflon®, Ultem® and Zytel®.
- Higher watt densities than any other band contribute to faster heat-up and through-put to increase productivity.
- High thermal conductivity of MI (Mineral Insulated) and low-mass construction gives almost instant response to temperature control. This performance solution eliminates thermal lag and temperature overshoot associated with ceramic knuckle heaters.
- Stainless steel cover as well as side fold design, resist contamination by overflow of plastic or other free-flowing materials. Side folds turn to the inside diameter rather than the outside diameter.
- Permanently attached clamping bars eliminate cumbersome clamping straps, which makes installation easier.
THINBAND® Mica Barrel and Nozzle
The THINBAND® Mica Barrel and Nozzle heater is Watlow's patented redesign of the mica band. THINBAND® heaters deliver fast and install easily, keeping costs down and machines running.
Performance Capabilities:
- Sheath Temperatures up to 900 °F (480 °C)
- Watt Densities up to 55 W/in (8.5 W/cm)
Features:
- New flexible, one-piece design makes installation faster on plastic processing equipment because it can be opened to the full diameter of the barrel without internal damage to the heater. The THINBAND® heater can be installed on a barrel without removing other band heaters already in place.
- Only one set of leads or terminals is needed on the THINBAND® heater, unlike the two sets required on the cumbersome two-piece replacement band heaters with straps.
- Quick clamp opens to fit over barrels and snaps in place with one easy flip of its latching lever. No need to remove other heaters.
- Permanently attached clamping bars eliminate cumbersome clamping straps, which makes installation easier.
- Contamination Resistance.
- No folds on outside of heater.
- Same-day shipment on more than 1000 variations of THINBAND® lead attachments is due to Watlow's exclusive Lead Adaptor or (LA) manufacturing method. Customers can reduce inventories and costly downtime.
Special Mica Barrel and Nozzle
Watlow has been solving complex and unique application problems for over 75 years with standard mica barrel and nozzle heaters. We are continuously improving our design and application knowledge through our engineering expertise and our experience with numerous OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) and end-user applications.
This has resulted in the development of many specialty variations in construction, resulting in the best heat solutions.
Performance Capabilities:
- Sheath Temperatures up to 900 °F (480 °C)
- Watt Densities up to 55 W/in (8.5 W/cm)
Features:
- Patented clamping strap assures efficient heat transfer.
- Low mass design allows fast heat-up and quick response.
- Design variations provide user convenience and heater protection.
- UL® (Underwriter's Laboratories, Inc.) component recognition is available for applications up to 900 °F (480 °C) sheath temperatures.
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