MBH

Supported Applications

The Omega MBH Series consists of mica-insulated band heaters designed for secure clamping to cylindrical objects requiring controlled heating. These two-piece and one-piece construction heaters are intended for use on cylinders, dies, drums, holding tanks, injection molding machines, blow molding machines, and plastic extruders.

Operating Conditions & Performance

The MBH series operates at barrel temperatures up to 482°C (900°F). Heaters feature a rust-resistant steel sheath with mica insulation and a ribbon resistance element. Wattage tolerance is specified as +5%, -10% at the voltage specified.

Maximum recommended watt density varies by operating temperature:

• 300°F (149°C): 40 W/in²
• 400°F (204°C): 30 W/in²
• 500°F (260°C): 21 W/in²
• 600°F (316°C): 12 W/in²
• 700°F (371°C) to 900°F (482°C): 10 W/in²

To prevent overheating and shortened heater life, lower-watt-density heaters should be used when heating objects to higher temperatures. Watt density is calculated as the total wattage of the heater divided by the heated surface area.

Configuration Options

The series offers inside diameters from 1 in (25 mm) to 11½ in (292 mm), with widths ranging from 1 in (25 mm) to 3 in (76 mm). The nominal thickness is 3/16" (5 mm).

Electrical configurations include:

• Voltage: 120 Vac or 240 Vac. Two-piece heaters are rated at 120 V per half, wired in parallel for 120 V operation or in series for 240 V operation.
• Derating Note: When operating a 240 V heater on 120 V, wattage and watt density are derated by a factor of 4 (e.g., a 300 W unit becomes 75 W).

Terminal styles include A, B, or T. Electrical connections utilize post terminals or insulated stainless steel overbraided leads.

Options and Accessories

• Flexible Conduit (Style B): FC1 (straight leads), FC2 (right angle leads in line with heater), FC3 (right angle leads at 90° to heater).
• Lead Length: Longer leads available for Terminal Styles A and B.
• Customization: Special wattage or voltage ratings, holes or cutouts, two or more sections for larger diameters, and different dimensions/terminals are offered.

Key Product Differences

The MBH series is available in one-piece construction (typically smaller IDs) and two-piece construction. Two-piece heaters allow secure clamping to the object being heated; they must be mounted squarely against the surface without tilting to avoid air gaps, which result in poor heat transfer and excessive heat loss.

Model numbers follow a structure indicating ID, width, wattage, terminal style, and voltage (e.g., MBH-1515175B/120). Ordering suffixes such as /* indicate longer "L" dimensions for specific terminal styles. The series includes variants with Terminal Style A, B, or T configurations across the documented size range.