Hardness/ heat conductance properties

[andy21]

Hi, currently use heater elements that heat Al extrusion, which in turn heats a conveyor belt. The length is up to 3mx150mm. the Al is anodised. I`m looking for a material with a greater heat conductance (eg copper) but with a hardness near that of the anodised Al. I`m not sure the copper would be as good - can it be treated (sorry, been a while since I studied this at Uni). Are there any other materials?

 

[CoryPad]

When you say hardness, do you require high surface hardness for wear resistance? Or, do you mean you need high strength? A suitable material can be chosen when you answer these questions.


Regards,

Cory

Please see FAQ731-376 for tips on how to make the best use of Eng-Tips Fora.

 

[kenvlach]

More information, please.

What is the heat source? E.g., if electrical resistance, one cannot replace nichrome heating elements with copper due to the high electrical conductivity of the latter.

To what temperature are you heating? Why? Too high a temperature causes cracks in the anodic coating.

Is the intent to heat the aluminum or the conveyor belt (material?) or both or something else being conveyed?

Perhaps use direct heating. You can heat aluminum by induction, and anodized aluminum by IR heat lamps as well. With either, a pyrometer can measure the temperature to control the heating and/or an overtemperature alarm or shutoff if the conveyor stops.