Mica heaters are used extensively for industrial heating applications. Mica is used in plate heaters, strip heaters, and integrated monitoring and temperature control systems. Due to its beneficial properties, it is highly popular for use in industrial heating systems. Below we cover why mica is so commonly used for heating elements. At JenTer, we offer exceptional quality options when it comes to mica heater and heating elements, including mica ceramic heater hybrid assemblies.
Mica Properties and Characteristics
As a natural mineral, mica develops in the form of thin sheets. Mica has varying amounts of Silica, Alumina, Potassium Oxide, Ferric Oxide, Sodium Oxide, and other trace elements. Mica’s properties may be explained as follows:
- Chemical properties: as a stable mineral, mica does not react with acids, alkalis, oils, water, etc. It remains stable during interaction with chemicals and as such is ideal for tactical industrial applications.
- Electrical properties: the properties of mica give it stability under electrical exposure, making it ideal for electrical heating systems. Its beneficial electrical properties include uniform capacitance, high electrical resistance, high dielectric strength, low thermal coefficient, and low power loss.
- Mechanical properties: the mechanical properties of mica include thermal stability, machinability, and toughness. These properties make it possible to punch, cut, and machine while the material retains its shape.
- Thermal properties: mica’s low thermal conductivity make it a superb thermal insulator. It provides excellent thermal stability as a non-flammable material. Mica can also withstand temperatures as high as 1832°F (1000°C).
Mica Applications in Temperature and Thermal Control Systems
Mica is used in the thermal systems of various industries. Examples include:
- Industrial and commercial thermal control, semiconductors, monitoring units, chemical, and thermal industrial systems
- Monitoring and temperature control units in the form of mica plate-type heaters or strips.
The performance of mica and mica-based heating systems, including mica ceramic heater systems, depend on its quality and the manufacturing process used.
The mica heaters we manufacture are made with Muscovite or Phlogopite from the mica family. This mica sheet has great insulation capabilities. Consisting of the mica mineral, mica sheet includes the addition of a high temperature resisting polymer, which enables it to function as an insulator against high temperature exposure.
To learn about the mica heater options we offer at JenTer, give us a call today at 920.928.2022 or leave us a message through our contact form.