Tempco Cartridge Heaters for Collegiate Mechatronics Program

With the wide variety of rapidly growing technology employed by manufacturers today, colleges are looking to create curriculum to train a new pool of skilled technicians. These Mechatronics programs train future technicians in several areas:

  • Mechanical systems and design
  • Computers, robotics & other intelligent equipment
  • Controls Programming and software
  • Electronics

Tempco was approached by two community colleges that have implemented programs using a grant from the National Science Foundation. These mechatronics programs focus on providing remote learning programs and equipment to students in 12 rural high schools within their states. The programs are built upon the Siemens Mechatronics Certification, which is a nationally recognized certification in the industry. In the field, mechatronics technicians will assist design, development and engineering staff. They will work closely with plant engineers to install, maintain, modify and repair mechatronic systems including equipment and component parts. The programs combine academic training with real-world, hands-on activities.

Tempco designed and manufactured high density cartridge immersion heaters for this program’s iREAL trainers. The design features for these cartridge heaters are:

  • 5/8 inch diameter sheath that is 5 inches in length
  • Single-end termination with a 1/2-14 NPT fitting that is heli-arc welded
  • Epoxy potting at the termination rated at 450°F/232°C
  • Standard Teflon® lead wire, 20 inches in length
  • 120 Watts
  • 120 Volts

We also provided training suggestions that highlight the thermal loop of an immersion tank heating system. The students will learn how to assemble, control and test the equipment. By moving fluid through a set of tanks – staging, process and holding tanks – they will practice how to achieve the desired process and measure changes within the process, gaining hands-on experience with heating elements, RTD’s, thermocouples and temperature controllers.

Tempco is proud to be involved in these programs and we wish students the best in their studies.