Poor seating of tubular cartridge heaters in bores with tolerances reduces heat transfer and process reliability. The Ihne & Tesch RPS Expandable clamps itself securely inside the bore, maintaining full contact, uniform temperature distribution and fewer tool failures.
Where bore tolerances prevent full contact with standard cartridges, process stability suffers. The RPS Expandable mechanically closes this gap and maintains constant pressure against the bore wall despite manufacturing or thermal tolerances. It is ideal wherever repeatable temperature control is essential.
RPS Expandable tubular cartridge heaters are used wherever bore tolerances prevent secure seating of standard cartridges. Each heater is matched to the bore diameter and installation length of the machine or tool.
Technical data for design, engineering and spare-parts procurement
The Ihne & Tesch RPS Expandable uses an expanding mechanism to clamp itself inside the bore. It maintains full contact with the bore wall even where tolerances are present, improving heat transfer, eliminating air gaps and providing uniform tool temperatures.
The RPS Expandable is preferable where bore tolerances prevent full contact with a standard cartridge, for example in older or reworked tools and machines with wider manufacturing tolerances. Its expandable design also maintains better heat transfer where frequent cartridge replacement gradually enlarges the bore.
The RPS Expandable suits all common tubular cartridge heater applications, including injection moulding tools, hot-runner systems, socket machines, mandrel heating in pipe extrusion, machine nozzles and die-casting machines. It is particularly effective where secure cartridge seating is critical to process stability.
The Ihne & Tesch RPS Expandable is designed for operating temperatures up to 600 °C. Watt density is up to 15 W/cm² and wall thickness ranges from 5 to 10 mm, depending on the design. Dimensions, voltage, output and connection type are manufactured to customer specifications.
Yes. The RPS Expandable is available with either an integrated or sheathed thermocouple. Direct measurement at the installation point improves control accuracy and prevents local overheating, especially in hot-runner systems and mandrel heating.
The construction is designed for high mechanical and thermal loads. Constant contact pressure keeps the heater evenly seated against the component, reducing stress and local overloading. This prevents premature wear, protects against failures and provides a long service life in demanding applications with changing temperatures and continuous operation.
