Heating is a critical technique utilized in manufacturing facilities across sectors. This is done by the use of numerous types of industrial heaters, each with its own design, watt density, and efficacy. Pencil heaters are a type of industrial heater that is frequently used in many sectors to heat metals, plastics, and immersion applications.
These heaters have acquired enormous popularity over the years and are now chosen above various classic industrial heaters. This article will explain how industrial heaters function, what they are used for, and anything else you need to know.
Pencil Heater: What is it?
A pencil heater or rod heater is a form of cartridge heater that is typically cylindrical or rod-shaped, similar to a pencil. These heaters are used in molds, dies, nozzles, and other components. They are put into a hole or hollow and securely fastened which allows for direct heating of the surrounding material.
The resistance of a pencil heater, like any other cartridge heater, is governed by its size, material, and desired power output. When linked to a power supply, these heaters are usually designed to run at a specified resistance in order to produce the necessary amount of heat.
These heaters are put directly into drilled holes to heat metal items. Cartridge heaters can be manufactured with a variety of watt densities to meet specific application needs. Typically, these heaters are constructed to be somewhat smaller than their nominal diameter.
Pencil Heaters: How They Work.
The heater is made out of a resistance coil coiled around a dielectric ceramic core. This construction is then enclosed in a metal sheet. The heaters are powered by alternating current.
When current travels through the heater, the resistance coil heats up and sends the heat energy to the metal sheath, which then radiates to the surrounding environment. This heat energy transmission is referred to as conduction. It is considered one of the most efficient industrial heaters since it transfers all of the heat created in the coil to the surroundings.
5 Reasons Why Pencil Heaters Are Best
Because of their broad use, they are now readily available across a variety of brands. Although each company has created its own particular, these heaters have acquired popularity due to some of their common features:
They Are Compact
These industrial heaters have a swaged structure that compacts the Magnesium Oxide, resulting in a dense dielectric with outstanding heat transmission properties. The swaged shape reduces vibration and shock (Omit). Furthermore, its small shape allows it to easily fit into closed structures such as injection molds and die blocks.
They Are Used For Wide Temperature Applications
Cartridge heaters are ideal for a wide range of temperature applications! For example, they are used to regulate the temperature of air in a variety of devices that are susceptible to condensation. Furthermore, these heaters can sustain heating temperatures of up to 1400°F.
They Have High Energy Efficiency
One of the primary advantages of employing these heaters is their ability to transmit heat effectively while losing little heat in the process. The copper layer surrounding the heating element helps to prevent oxidation. Direct contact with the heating element enables full heat transmission. Less heat loss leads to lower power bills. This can result in significant cost reductions for consumers.
They Have Configurable Designs:
While most industrial heaters are configurable, their designs impose limits. However, cartridge heaters have diverse designs, making them very adjustable. To extend the life of the heaters, they might be fitted with temperature-detecting capabilities. These sensors assist in avoiding overheating in these heaters. Similarly, if utilized for high-temperature applications, these heaters can be coated with graphite; lead wires can be used in heaters that will be exposed to contamination and moisture.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can be done to increase the service life of a pencil heater?
Pencil heaters typically fail owing to poor fit, excessive moisture, contamination, movement, incorrect selection, bad installation, and high watt densities. The easiest method to avoid these circumstances is to discuss your specifications with the business from which you purchase your heater and read any accompanying documents.
How long does a pencil heater last?
Of course, this depends greatly on how much and how frequently it is used. Temperature, duty cycles, heater design, the working environment, and regulating procedures are all elements that influence a heater’s longevity.
How much does a pencil heater cost?
This depends on the standards for each application. Most manufacturers allow customers to customize heaters to match the precise needs for which they will be used.
Conclusion
If you have a specific pencil heater and need to estimate its resistance, see the manufacturer’s specs or datasheet. The resistance value is frequently included as part of the product’s technical specifications.
Keep in mind that the resistance of pencil warmers might vary with temperature due to the material’s temperature coefficient of resistance. If you’re working with pencil heaters and require precise resistance values, consult the manufacturer’s specifications or directly measure the resistance using proper instruments, such as a multimeter.
