How to Specify a Cartridge Heater From Your Heater Manufacturer

Clear Communication on Your Industrial Heating Needs is the Key

What’s the key to ensuring your heater manufacturer builds a custom cartridge heater that meets your needs? Communication! Specifying a cartridge heater to a heater manufacturer involves providing detailed information about the requirements and specifications of the heater. This is particularly critical if the heaters are for a new process, and not a re-creation of existing heaters. Below, we provide a step-by-step guide on how to effectively communicate your needs.

• Determine Heater Requirements
  Identify the specific requirements for your custom cartridge heater, including dimensions, voltage, wattage, and any other special features needed for your application.            
                  
• Provide Heater Dimensions
  Specify the overall length, diameter, and any other critical dimensions of the cartridge heater. Include details about the space available for heater installation. 
  
  
• Specify Wattage and Voltage
  Clearly state the required wattage and voltage for the cartridge heater. Ensure that these specifications align with the power supply and operational requirements of your equipment.     
                         
• Material Selection
  Specify the material for the sheath of the cartridge heater. Common materials include stainless steel, brass, or other alloys. Consider factors such as corrosion resistance and compatibility with the molding environment.             
• Heating Element Configuration
  Determine the type and configuration of the heating element. Cartridge heaters may have various types, such as swaged high-watt density or non-swaged low-watt density, and various configurations, including straight or helical.
  
  
•  Lead Wire and Termination
  Specify the length and type of lead wire required for the swaged cartridge heater. Also, indicate the type of termination: bare leads, connectors, or other custom terminations. Here are some of our options:

• Temperature Control and Sensors

If your application requires temperature control, specify whether the cartridge heater needs an integrated temperature sensor or if it will work in conjunction with an external temperature control system.    

 Internal Thermocouple

• • • Built-in thermocouples can be of type “J” or ”K", grounded or ungrounded, and attached either at the disc end or middle of the cartridge heater.
    • Thermocouples lead wire is 24 ga., solid, and unless otherwise specified, thermocouple leads are the same length as the power leads.
    • When ordering, please specify type, location, grounded or ungrounded (if not specified, then we will supply grounded), and insulation material (if not specified, then we will supply fiberglass).
    • See more on thermocouples here.
      
      
      
      
      

• Mounting and Installation

Provide information about how the cartridge heater will be mounted in the process. Specify any special requirements for installation, such as clamping or threading options.       

• Environmental Considerations

Communicate any environmental factors that may affect the performance of the cartridge heater, such as exposure to chemicals, moisture, or high-temperature conditions.    

• Quantity and Lead Time

Please state the quantity of cartridge heaters needed and the desired lead time for production. This information helps the heater manufacturer plan the production schedule accordingly.

• Quality Standards and Certification

Specify any required quality standards or certifications that the cartridge heaters must meet. This could include industry-specific standards or safety certifications.

• Special Features or Customizations

If there are any special features or customizations needed—such as special coatings, built-in thermocouples, or unique shapes—clearly communicate these requirements to the heater manufacturer.

• Budget Constraints

If you have specific budget constraints, communicate this information to the heater manufacturer to explore cost-effective solutions that meet your requirements.

• Provide CAD Drawings or Samples

If available, provide detailed CAD drawings or physical samples of the injection mold and the space allocated for the cartridge heater. This helps the heater manufacturer better understand the application.

• Engage in Open Communication

Maintain open and clear communication with the heater manufacturer throughout the process. Seek their input to ensure the final product meets your specifications. Backer Marathon is available to join Teams and Zoom calls to share visuals and discuss in real-time.

The importance of providing comprehensive and accurate information about your cartridge heater requirements cannot be overstated. Use these steps to help your heater manufacturer deliver a product that meets your specific needs and ensures optimal performance in your unique processes.

Why Backer Marathon

Backer Marathon is the industry leader in production speed, and reliable, quality heaters for plastics and packaging, serving OEMs with durable, customized solutions for unique heating needs since 1996. We design, manufacture, and stock industrial-grade heating elements and temperature sensors. Engineers have live, on-demand access via phone to our trained technical experts who have been pioneers in this sector for decades. 

How can Backer Marathon’s experts help you today? Nosotros hablamos español. Contact us today to discuss your next project.