In manufacturing environments where precise and consistent heat is essential, the right heater can make all the difference. From plastic processing to packaging and food processing, uneven heating or premature heater failure can lead to costly downtime, scrap, and energy loss.
That’s where Dalton Split Sheath Heaters, available through Sure Controls, come in. These heaters are designed to deliver exceptional heat transfer, easy maintenance, and long service life — helping keep production running smoothly and efficiently.
What Are Split Sheath Heaters?
Split sheath heaters are a specialized type of cartridge heater designed for applications that demand both high performance and reliability.
While a standard cartridge heater is a solid, cylindrical unit that fits tightly into a bore, a split sheath heater features a unique split outer sheath. When energized, the sheath expands slightly to ensure full contact with the bore wall, maximizing heat transfer. When de-energized, it contracts for easy removal and maintenance.
This “expand and contract” design is what sets split sheath heaters apart — solving one of the most common issues in heater maintenance: heater seizure caused by oxidation or bore distortion.
How the Dalton Design Makes a Difference
Dalton Electric has been a trusted name in industrial heating since 1921, known for innovative engineering and high-quality manufacturing. Their split sheath design is patented and proven in demanding industrial environments.
Key performance advantages include:
- Superior Heat Transfer
The expanding sheath ensures near-perfect contact between the heater and the bore, minimizing air gaps and heat loss. The result is faster heat-up times and more uniform temperature distribution. - Extended Heater Life
Because the heater operates at lower internal temperatures (thanks to improved heat transfer), oxidation and resistance drift are reduced — translating to a longer service life. - Simplified Maintenance
When powered off, the sheath contracts slightly, allowing maintenance teams to remove the heater without chiseling, drilling, or risking damage to the bore. This saves valuable time during changeouts. - Energy and Cost Savings
Improved heat transfer means the heater doesn’t need to work as hard to maintain temperature. Over time, that efficiency adds up to measurable energy savings.
Common Applications
Dalton Split Sheath Heaters are used across multiple industries and equipment types, including:
- Plastic injection molding and extrusion — screen changers, nozzle, and die heating.
- Packaging machinery — for sealing jaws and cutting applications.
- Food and beverage equipment — for precise process control and sanitation.
- Medical and life sciences equipment — where uniform heating is critical for repeatability and safety.
- Industrial tooling and molds — for reliable performance in demanding thermal environments.
Wherever downtime and heat uniformity matter, Dalton Split Sheath Heaters deliver dependable results.
Sure Controls: Your Thermal Process Partner
As a trusted Dalton distributor, Sure Controls provides access to a wide selection of split sheath heaters and accessories — with local expertise and personalized support to ensure the right fit for every application.
Our team of thermal process specialists helps customers identify the best heater configuration, manage replacements, and optimize system performance. We also support integration with controls, sensors, and monitoring systems for complete temperature management solutions.
With Sure Controls, you don’t just get a heater — you gain a partner committed to improving your process uptime, efficiency, and product quality.
The Bottom Line
Dalton Split Sheath Heaters combine innovation, performance, and practicality. Their self-expanding design enhances heat transfer, simplifies maintenance, and extends service life — all while reducing total operating costs.
If you’re looking to reduce downtime and improve temperature consistency in your operations, Sure Controls can help.
Contact our team today to learn more about Dalton Split Sheath Heaters or to request a quote.