Birk Manufacturing, Inc. Cartridge Heater

Birk Manufacturing is a leading thermal partner throughout the heat processing industry. Birk’s cartridge heaters are known for their extremely high surface loading that allows large power to be delivered where space is extremely limited. A cartridge heater is a tube-shaped heating element that can be inserted into drilled holes. Cartridge heaters provide localized and precise heating. A cartridge heater is manufactured with a resistance coil wound around a ceramic core. This core is then surrounded by dielectric and encased in a metal sheath. Powered heat transfer through the coil to the sheath causes the sheath to heat up. This heat transfer then heats the inside metal part that requires an elevated temperature. If purchasing one of Birk’s 1/8” swaged in-stock cartridge heaters, the fit/drilled hole size for a cartridge heater is integral to the overall operation and heater lifespan. In a low or medium temperature application (315°C (660°F) or below), holes can be drilled to .008” over the nominal size of the drill, resulting in fits of .014”. While this fit will be looser and does not permit optimal heat transfer, it aids in the installation and removal of the cartridge heaters, especially those with longer sheaths. At high watt densities, a close fit is much more critical. The holes should be drilled and then reamed. With a tighter fit, the heater will run cooler and have a longer life span. Birk’s cartridge heaters are a great solution for reaching elevated temperatures. This in turn suggests that incorporating a temperature sensor and controlling feature would be best for the overall application. Birk has a vast temperature sensor product offering along with direct access to design engineers who will be able to advise customers whether or not to integrate a surface mount or bolt-on RTD or thermocouple. In some applications, an embedded temperature sensor or higher watt density is required. This can be achieved with a custom cartridge heater solution. Custom cartridge solutions allow Birk’s customers to achieve their thermal needs even in the most challenging applications.