A cartridge heater is generally available in a cylindrical shape. It has a covering to shield the heating element during immersion applications. The watt density as well as the temperature needed for this kind of heater fluctuates according to the requirement.

Components
Cartridge heater has following components:

• A covering to protect from corrosion, oxidation & acute temperature.
• Insulation to expedite the heat transferability.
• Resistance wire is a nickel-chromium alloy wire to provide an even temperature.
• Threaded Fittings.
• Mounting flanges helps in avoiding motion harmful for the heater.
• Terminal boxes provide protection in any milieu & are insusceptible to moisture.
• Lead wire are flexible in nature & can counter extreme temperature.

Types
A variety of cartridge heaters are available in the market. They are :

• High Density Cartridge Heater
• Low Density Cartridge Heater
• Medium Density Heaters

Advantages
Some of the benefits of a cartridge heaters are:

• Low capital investment
• Easily controlled in a digital temperature
• Great dielectric strength

Applications
Cartridge heaters have a wide array of usage, primarily in:

• Injection presses
• Heating plates
• Mold production
• Liquid heating
• Sealing
• Food processing accessories
• Medical accessories
• Electronic components
• Nuclear reactors