WATLOW'S IFC HEATED PARTS WITHSTAND HIGH PROCESS TEMPERATURES

ST. LOUIS – Watlow Electric Manufacturing Co. introduces IFC (interference fit construction) heated parts, ideal for applications that exceed the temperature capabilities of cast aluminum. IFC heated parts can achieve uniformity levels equaling +/-1 percent of operating temperatures, even above 600C. This product uses the same design logic as cast-in heaters to achieve temperature uniformity by utilizing a formed cable or tubular heater. However, the IFC method uses a proprietary shaped groove that accepts the heater for tight contact fit. This allows the heated part to be customized to meet specific customer needs over a wide variety of shapes and sizes.

One of the advantages of the IFC heated part over the milled groove or the brazed assembly approach – which engineers historically turned to for temperature requirements exceeding 450C – is the improved heater life due to the intimate contact of the heater, therefore reducing hot spots. Since Watlow's IFC heated parts are a finished product, no assembly is required. All joints of the IFC heated part can be welded to make it vacuum-tight for use, even the highest vacuum process levels. IFC heated parts are produced at Watlow's ISO 9001 registered facility in Batavia, Illinois.

Watlow is the world's largest custom designer and manufacturer of industrial heaters, sensors and controls. The firm's corporate headquarters are in St. Louis, Missouri with manufacturing facilities worldwide.

Watlow Electric Manufacturing Company, 12001 Lackland Road, St. Louis, MO 63146. Tel: 314-878-4600; Fax: 314-878-2360.