Long-Life Cartridge Heaters: Cost-Effective Heat Press Solution

Reliable OEM Parts from Tempco

Heat Presses

Essential Component in Harsh Environment

In the competitive world of industrial manufacturing, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) recognize that reliable heating solutions are not an option - they are a necessity. A top-tier machine builder approached us for a powerful heating source to improve their diverse range of heat presses. Tempco delivered a solution that improved the heating element lifespan and was cost effective.

Cartridge heaters are essential components in heated presses, especially when operating in harsh environments. Tempco engineers design these heaters to provide consistent and uniform heating. Original equipment manufacturers rely on these heating elements to ensure that the processed materials reach the desired temperatures.

In a heated press, the environment can often be challenging. Factors like high humidity, dust, or exposure to chemicals can negatively affect heater performance. Therefore, selecting the right cartridge heater is crucial. Tempco manufactures high-quality cartridge heaters constructed with durable materials that can withstand these conditions.

Why One OEM Chooses Tempco Heaters

One original equipment manufacturer (OEM) of a wide range of machinery specifies Tempco cartridge heaters. From hobby grade to commercial equipment, this OEM supplies heat press machinery used for a variety of applications. Their machines press t-shirts, hats, plates, mugs, or anything else that requires heat transfer in the printing and curing process.

When choosing cartridge heaters for a heated press, it’s important to consider the application factors. Tempco understands that watt density, temperature range, type of insulation used, and ease- of-installation are all important factors. For example, a higher watt density provides for faster heat-up times, while proper insulation minimizes heat loss. The right design can make the heater and the application more energy-efficient.

Heat Press with Tempco Cartridge Heaters

Heaters mounted into cast aluminum plate for large format heat press

Understanding the Application

This top and bottom heated press utilizes a cast aluminum plate. Uniform heat on the cast aluminum plate is imperative to achieve an even heat transfer on the end process. The tough environment and duty cycle, which is the time the heater is on, limit the options for the heater.

The application details include:

Press Surface – 44-inch x 48-inch top and bottom plates
Applied force – Total force applied in the press is 220,000 lbs!
Plate thickness – 5-inch-thick cast aluminum plate
Temperature requirement – Ambient temperature to approximately 350°F within a 30-minute period

Cartridge Heater Design Features

To uniformly heat the cast aluminum plates, workers insert heaters into 16 drilled holes. The holes run the length of the heater block. Tempco's Hi-Density Cartridge Heaters are the ideal solution. They can withstand a harsh environment without causing maintenance issues or requiring frequent replacement.

The design specifications of these heaters are:

Heater diameter – Tempco's ¾ inch heaters fit into the drill holes to provide maximum heat transfer.
Heater length – The heaters run the length of the heater block at 45 inches long.
Unheated length – 1 inch of unheated length at the lead end protects the heater's integrity.
Electrical termination – The flexible, internally-connected termination resists wear and fatigue over time. It can handle continuous movement from the heated press and the tough environment.
Termination option – Tempco designed these heaters with a potted end seal rated for 1000°F/538°C.
Mounting option – A mounting flange secures the heaters into the aluminum plate, minimizing the effects of the plate movement.

A Sample of Tempco Cartridge Heater Terminations

Standard Hi-Density Cartridge Heater Termination, Type N: External Pins with leads
Type N: External Pins with leads

Hi-Density Cartridge Heater Type M2 Potted End Seal Termination

Type M2 Termination: Potted End Seal

Type S: Flexible Spring termination

The Key to Reliable, Cost-Effective Heating

Cartridge heaters play a pivotal role in the performance of heated presses operating in harsh environments. By selecting the right heater, OEMs ensure optimal efficiency, reduce downtime, and enhance the overall quality of their products.

Tempco’s Hi-Density Cartridge Heaters offer multiple advantages to our customers. We tailor our custom designs for each application, choosing the right materials and options. The result is a heating element with a long operating life that is cost-effective and low-maintenance.