Conductive

Mineral Insulated (MI) Better Band Heaters

**Expect better performance from your band heater!**

TUTCO Mineral Insulated Band Heaters are perfect for applications needing reliable high process temperatures. The TUTCO MI Better Band, with Alumina Oxide insulation and welded stainless steel sheath, has a high watt density of 80W/in² Max. It is built with very high quality materials and based on application can maintain temperatures as high as 1400ºF (760ºC).

Features & Benefits

Maximum High Watt density 80W/In²
Longest band heater life available
Ceramic insulation
Stainless steel band
Rugged lead protection
Custom designed to specifications provided
Low minimum order requirements
Expedited order options are available

MI Better Band Brochure

SPECIFICATIONS

Operating Temp Capability 1400° F
Holes: Yes
Cutouts: Yes
Custom Delivery: 20-25 Days
Durability: Excellent

APPLICATIONS

PLASTICS
Extruders & Extrusion Die Heaters
Plastic Injection Molding
Injection Molding Nozzle Heaters
Blown Film Processes
Blow Molding Machines

AGRICULTURE
Holding Tanks
Drum & Barrel Heating

FOOD SERVICE
Food Processing – Candy Extruders
Food Service Warming

PROCESS
Chemical Processing
Tin and Flux Melting
Scientific Testing Equipment
3D Printers
Medical Process Heater

In addition, Mica Bands can be modified to meet the demands of virtually any special application. Our engineers can utilize a variety of alternative features and options to customize the heater to your specific needs.

Lead Options

Flexible Leads, Near Gap

Near Gap, Axial,
Opposite sides

Near Gap, Axial,
Same side

Near Gap, Along width, Same side

Near Gap, Axial, Opposite sides	Near Gap, Axial, Same side	Near Gap, Along width, Same side

Available with leads exiting axially or along the width of the band. Axial leads can be positioned on each side of the gap or on one side only. Axial leads feature full contact clamping for longer heater life. 10″ (25.4 cm) leads standard, other lengths available.

Flexible Leads, Near Gap, With Cap

Low profile cap and tube with leads exiting axially, 90° to axis, or at a specified 15°, 30°, or 45° from axis. Axial leads exit in direction of junction/termination. If heaters are in tandem, they can be positioned next to one another. 90 degree cap ideal for installations where access is limited. 10″ (25.4 cm) leads standard, other lengths available.

Two Piece Band

Near Gap, With Cap, 90°

Near Gap, With Cap

Near Gap, With Cap, 45°

Near Gap, With Cap, 90°	Near Gap, With Cap	Near Gap, With Cap, 45°

Specify for easy installation/removal where projections or tandem positioned heaters are in use.

When using two-piece heaters, each half is designed with half of the total wattage requirement. This has the capability of being used on either 120 Volte (V1 = V2 = V Total) when connected in parallel or 240 Volts (V1 + V2 = V total) when connected in series.

Ground Wire

A ground wire is available on most heaters where grounding is required.

Additional Lead Options

Flexible Leads, Opposite Gap

Opposite Gap,
Axial

Opposite Gap, Axial,
One Braid

Opposite Gap,
Along Width

Opposite Gap, Axial	Opposite Gap, Axial, One Braid	Opposite Gap, Along Width

Available with leads exiting axially or along the width of the band. Axial leads can be bound together in one braided sheath. These heaters are generally specified when clearance around the heater is not adequate to allow the lead to exit from the heater pressure plate. 10″ (25.4 cm)leads standard, other lengths available.

Flexible Leads, Opposite Gap, with Cap

Opposite Gap w/ Cap, Axial

Opposite Gap w/ Cap, 90° to Axis

Opposite Gap w/ Cap, Variable Angle From Axis

Opposite Gap w/ Cap, Axial	Opposite Gap w/ Cap, 90° to Axis	Opposite Gap w/ Cap, Variable Angle From Axis

The cap and tube option gives protection near the sheath. Leads can exit axially, 90° to the axis, or at a specified 15°, 30° or 45° from the axis. 10″ (25.4 cm)lead standard. Other lengths available.

Termination Styles

Screw Terminals Near Gap

Opposite Gap w/ Cap,
Axial

Opposite Gap w/ Cap, 90° to Axis

Opposite Gap w/ Cap, Variable Angle From Axis

Opposite Gap w/ Cap, Axial	Opposite Gap w/ Cap, 90° to Axis	Opposite Gap w/ Cap, Variable Angle From Axis

Screw terminals can be positioned near the gap on each side, along the width, or along the length. This style of terminal helps simplify lead wire connections.

Screw Terminals Opposite Gap

Opposite Gap w/ Cap,
Axial

Opposite Gap w/ Cap, 90°
to Axis

Opposite Gap w/ Cap, Axial	Opposite Gap w/ Cap, 90° to Axis

Screw terminals can also be positioned opposite the gap either along the width or along the length.

Lead Protection

	Plain Leads Our high temperature mica insulated leadwire with nickel standard conductors is suitable for continuous service up to 842°F (450°C).
	Sleeving Fiberglass silicone rubber coated sleeving class C1, 392°F (200°C) service. Provides extra insulation where wire is exposed to heat, molten plastics or abrasion. Rated for 1500 volts at 428°F (220°C), except 5/16" size which has no voltage rating.
	Stainless Steel Braid Stainless steel over braid is most commonly specified in applications where leads may be subjected to abrasion due to movement of the application. Lead wires may be rubbing together or passing over sharp objects.
	Stainless Steel Armor Used over leads in areas where more protection is necessary. Selected for similar applications as the stainless steel braid, in addition to applications where non-fluid contamination may come in contact with the leads. This lead protection is not as flexible as the braid. Stainless steel square lock construction.
	Convoluted Armor This is a seamless product and can be attached to the heater so that fluids do not contaminate the leads. This system of lead protection is generally associated with the Sealed Band construction. Not recommended where leads are flexed in the application.
	Relief Spring This optional relief spring is welded to the band sheath. It adds protection from abrasion while keeping the leads very flexible. Maximum length: 12"
	Copper Elbow Simple straight abrasion-resistant stainless steel armor or moisture-resistant armor is attached to a 90° copper elbow to accommodate applications where lead access is only possible from one side and armor exit direction is a concern. When ordering without a swivel option, specify direction of 90° copper elbow.
	Pipe Coupling/Extension Tube These pipe couplings, welded to the heater sheath, provide a method of fastening conduit or armor to the heater which can be disconnected from the heater as required. Standard stainless steel.
	Standard Terminal Box Designed for protection safety, snap-off cover leaves terminals easily accessible. For heaters 1 1/2" or wider with screw terminals at one end along length on top. Also with screw terminals at one end across width, on top 2 5/8" or wider.

Shapes and Construction

	Shroud (Insulated/Non-Insulated) The insulated shroud is available as an accessory or attached to the heater. It serves to conserve energy and reduce power consumption. Fiberfrax insulations is optional.
	Hinged Band Available in two-piece heaters for applications in which the assembly is frequently required to be opened for easy and registered positioning around the surface.
	Expandable Band A heater which can be easily expanded to fit around a surface. Not for applications requiring consistent removal. (2-3 times max.) Separate full clamping strap provides excellent clamping. Can be expanded 2-3 times without parting.
	Partial Band Available in a variety of terminations and clamping styles (please indicate when ordering). Specially constructed to any angle. Please specify inner diameter, width, angle and termination style.
	Special with Holes Heaters can be built to satisfy your special requirements. Certain applications require holes for thermocouples, to clear tubing, wiring, and other obstacles. These modifications require customer drawings to specify exact diameters and locations of the holes. Special order only.
	Special with Cutout When clearance is a problem with band heater installation, consider requesting slot cut-outs. This can greatly facilitate installation. Drawing is required with exact dimensions and locations. Special order only. Specify length, maximum length: 12″ (30 cm)
	Reverse Band Design allows the heater to be expanded and thus heat from an internal surface. Available in a variety of clamping styles (please indicate when ordering; shown is the wedge lock low profile clamping). Constructed with a fully notched case.
	Ring Heater Constructed with a fully notched case. Available with a variety of terminations. Please specify inner diameter and outer diameter
	Notched Band Features a notch on the case to facilitate opening. Available in a wide variety of termination styles. Standard notch size is 1/8″ (3.1 mm).
	Fully Notched Band Used not only in circular applications but can be adapted for irregular surfaces. Available in a wide variety of termination styles.
	Rectangular Band Specify inside dimensions, width dimensions and clamping ears. Available in a variety of termination styles and two location choices for clamping ears.

Plugs

European Plug Options

European Plug with Box

European Plug with Box

The European Power Plug is illustrated in the most common position. There are occasions for special boxes where the plug may be positioned on the top surface of the box.

Other Plug Options

Quick Disconnect Socket
2 pole, 25 amp, 250V, 600°F (315°C) service. Ideal for power connection to heaters. Durable cast aluminum body on female side. Both sides have ceramic insert insulators. Ground connection via contact fingers.

Hubbell® Plug (or equivalent)
Customer to specify type, part number and amperage required. There is a wide variety of Hubbell® plugs that can be fitted to our heaters. Please specify Hubbell®'s part number or call us for suggestions.

	Quick Disconnect Socket 2 pole, 25 amp, 250V, 600°F (315°C) service. Ideal for power connection to heaters. Durable cast aluminum body on female side. Both sides have ceramic insert insulators. Ground connection via contact fingers.
	Hubbell® Plug (or equivalent) Customer to specify type, part number and amperage required. There is a wide variety of Hubbell® plugs that can be fitted to our heaters. Please specify Hubbell®'s part number or call us for suggestions.

Clamping

Strap Standards

Straps can be vastly modified to fit a wide variety of bands. As wider bands are used, multiple straps will most likely be designed in. Normally barrel nuts are built into the ends: one threaded, one through hole. Slots shown are to clear termination areas. Unless otherwise specified, straps are assigned by our engineering staff to best suit each application.

Clamping

One-Piece Strap

Two-Piece Strap

Full-Width Strap

Strap Ends

One-Piece Strap	Two-Piece Strap	Full-Width Strap	Strap Ends

Illustrated are the various available styles of clamping for band heaters. When a band is provided the material is of a low coefficient of expansion type. Width of the clamping band or the number used per heater is dictated by the design standards. There are a variety of clamping mechanisms that can be attached to the band or directly to the heater. The most common forms are the strap and strap ends. Factors influencing the type and size of clamping are:

Type of band heater
Diameter and Width
Termination type and location
Holes and notches in heater
Preferences of the user

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