Strip Heaters
Watlow's Mica and 375 Strip heaters are versatile and solve any number of applications. Bolted or clamped to a flat surface, heat is readily conducted to tanks, solids and enclosures. The 375 Finned Strip heater features enhanced surface area for heating air, drying ovens and space heaters.
| Strip Material and Insulation | Maximum Watt Density | Maximum Operating Temperature |
| Aluminized Steel and Refractory | 100 W/in² (15.5 W/cm²) | 1100 °F (595 °C) |
| Stainless Steel and Refractory | 90 W/in² (14.0 W/cm²) | 1200 °F (650 °C) |
| Stainless Steel and Mica | 50 W/in² (7.8 W/cm²) | 1000 °F (540 °C) |
| Stainless Steel and Mineral | 100 W/in² (15.5 W/cm²) | 1400 °F (760 °C) |
| Zinc Steel and Mica | 55 W/in² (8.5 W/cm²) | 900 °F (480 °C) |
Applications:
- Dies & Molds
- Tank & Platen Heating
- Thermoforming
- Packaging & Sealing Equipment
- Furnaces & Ovens
- Food Warming Equipment
- Vulcanizing Presses & Duct
- Space & Air Heating
- Incubators
- Autoclaves
- Freeze & Moisture Protection
MI Strip
The Watlow MI Strip (Mineral Insulated) is a thin, responsive heater that sets unmatched standards for performance and durability. It makes use of the most advanced heater construction techniques, including embedding a nickel-chromium element wire in Watlow's exclusive mineral insulation. Only 0.042 inches (1.067 mm) thick, this layer of insulation brings the element wire closer to the heater sheath.
The result is heat flow easily from the element wire to the sheath, thus allowing the wire to run cooler than conventional heaters.
Performance Capabilities:
- Sheath Temperatures up to 1400 °F (760 °C)
- Watt Densities up to 100 W/in (15.5 W/cm)
- Maximum Voltage of 480 V ~(ac)
Features:
- Higher watt densities than any other strip heater contributes to faster heat-up.
- Exclusive mineral insulation combines high dielectric strength and superior thermal conductivity which transfers heat rapidly to the sheath.
- Stainless steel sheath is welded together at strategic points to maintain the high compaction of mineral insulation and produce a rigid heater.
- UL® (Underwriter's Laboratories, Inc.) component recognition is available in 250 V ~(ac) or less.
Mica Strip
The Watlow Mica Strip heater is an economical and reliable source of heat for industrial equipment. A mere 15 mils (0.4 mm) thick mica insulator on both sides of the resistance element provides complete electrical insulation and offers little resistance to efficient heat flow. Plus, mica withstands high voltage spikes, resists moisture and is inert to most chemicals.
Performance Capabilities:
- Sheath Temperatures up to (900 °F (480 °C) (on zinc-coated units)
- Sheath Temperatures up to 1200 °F (650 °C) (on stainless steel units)
- Watt Densities up to 55 W/in (8.5 W/cm)
- Maximum Voltage of 480 V ~(ac)
Features:
- Low mass construction heats up faster to provide quick response to control input.
- Flat resistance ribbon generates heat over a broad area. This design solution puts the heat source closer to the work.
- Nickel-plated steel terminal posts are securely riveted to ensure a positive, trouble-free connection to the resistance circuit.
- Rust-resistant, zinc-coated steel sheath is treated to improve emissivity. The strength of this material also gives the heater rigidity.
- Excellent dielectric strength is guaranteed because all incoming mica receives a quality control inspection.
- Optional stainless steel sheath is available for more corrosive atmospheres.
- Computer aided design engineering assures the best combination of ribbon gauge, total wattage and winding spacing. This design combination maximizes heat transfer and life of the heater.
- UL® (Underwriter's Laboratories, Inc.) component recognition is available for applications up to 900 °F (480 °C) sheath temperatures.
375 Strip
The Watlow 375 Strip is a rugged heater, named for its 0.375 inch (9.5 mm) thickness, capable of both high temperatures and watt densities. It's ruggedness comes from the design and use of choice materials.
Watlow begins construction by accurately placing a coiled, nickel-chrome element wire in the center of the heater. The element wire is then embedded in MgO-based insulation compacted into a solid mass that results in excellent heat conductivity and high dielectric strength. Finally, the heater is enclosed in aluminized steel sheathing.
Performance Capabilities:
- Aluminized Steel Sheath Temperatures up to 1100 °F (595 °C)
- Stainless Steel Sheath Temperatures up to 1200 °F (650 °C)
- Watt Densities up to 130 W/in (20.2 W/cm)
- UL® (Underwriter's Laboratories, Inc.) Approved up to 240 V ~(ac) (File No. E52951)
- CSA (Canadain Standards Association) Approved up to 600 V ~(ac) (File No. LR7392)
Features:
- Nickel-chrome element wire is centered in the heater to uniformly heat the strip.
- Aluminized steel sheath operates at higher temperatures and resists corrosion better than iron-sheathed heaters.
- Optional stainless steel sheath is available for applications where temperatures reach 1200 °F (650 °C).
- Post terminals, welded to the element wire, produce strong and trouble-free connections.
- Rigid 3/8 inch (9.5 mm) thick design enables the 375 strip heater to fit into many existing applications.
- Available dimensions are 1 inch (38 mm) wide, and 5 inches (140 mm) to 48 inches (1220 mm) long.
- Next day shipment is available on 106 in-stock models in popular sizes and ratings.
375 Finned Strip
The 375 Finned Strip heater is constructed of highly-compacted MgO-based insulation, just like its 375 strip counterpart, which conducts heat efficiently from the nickel-chrome element wire to the sheath. A 2 inch wide (51 mm) aluminized steel fins are attached in a way that maximizes surface contact so that heat is displaced and transferred into the air faster.
Performance Capabilities:
- Aluminized Steel Sheath Temperatures up to 1100 °F (595 °C)
- UL® (Underwriter's Laboratories, Inc.) Approved up to 240 V ~(ac) (File No. E52951)
- CSA (Canadain Standards Association) Approved up to 600 V ~(ac) (File No. LR7392)
Features:
- Nickel-chrome element wire is centered in the heater to uniformly heat the strip.
- Aluminized steel sheath operates at higher temperatures and resists corrosion better than iron-sheathed heaters.
- Post terminals, welded to the element wire, produce strong and trouble-free connections.
- Rigid 3/8-inch (9.5 mm) thick design enables the 375 finned strip heater to fit into many existing applications.
- Available dimensions are 1 inch (38 mm) wide, and 5 inches (140 mm) to 48 inches (1220 mm) long.
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