INDUSTRY COMPONENT

Bimetallic Strip

A temperature-sensitive component that bends when heated, used for thermal protection and control in trip mechanisms.

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Component Specifications

Definition
A bimetallic strip is a precision-engineered component consisting of two dissimilar metal layers bonded together, each with different coefficients of thermal expansion. When subjected to temperature changes, the differential expansion causes the strip to bend or deflect predictably. In trip mechanisms, this deflection is mechanically leveraged to actuate switches, release latches, or interrupt circuits, providing automatic thermal protection, temperature regulation, or overload prevention.
Working Principle
The working principle is based on differential thermal expansion. The two bonded metals expand at different rates when heated. The metal with the higher coefficient of thermal expansion (usually on the convex side when heated) expands more, forcing the strip to bend toward the side with the lower expansion coefficient. This mechanical motion is harnessed to trigger a mechanical or electrical trip action at a predetermined temperature threshold.
Materials
Common material pairs include: Brass-Steel (for general purpose), Invar-Steel (for high precision), Nickel-Iron alloys, or Copper-Steel. Specific grades depend on application temperature range and required sensitivity.
Technical Parameters
  • Width 5-25 mm
  • Length 30-100 mm
  • Lifecycle >10,000 cycles
  • Thickness 0.5-2.0 mm
  • Deflection Rate mm/°C
  • Electrical Rating Up to 20A (if switching)
  • Actuation Temperature Calibrated range (e.g., 50°C to 150°C)
Standards
ISO 13849-1, DIN EN 60947-5-1, IEC 60730

Industry Taxonomies & Aliases

Commonly used trade names and technical identifiers for Bimetallic Strip.

bimetallic strip thermal trip temperature sensor overload protector thermal actuator bimetal thermostat trip mechanism component Bimetallic Strip in Machinery and Equipment Manufacturing

Parent Products

This component is used in the following industrial products

Trip Mechanism

The internal component of a circuit breaker that detects abnormal electrical conditions and triggers the opening of the contacts to interrupt current flow.

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Overload Relay

A protective electrical device that automatically interrupts circuit current when it detects excessive load conditions to prevent motor damage.

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Engineering Analysis

Risks & Mitigation
  • Fatigue failure from cyclic bending
  • Calibration drift over time
  • Contamination affecting thermal response
  • Mechanical binding in the mechanism
FMEA Triads
Trigger: Material fatigue from repeated thermal cycling
Failure: Strip cracks or loses calibration, causing failure to trip or false trips
Mitigation: Use high-cycle-life alloys, design for stress relief, and implement periodic calibration checks.
Trigger: Exposure to corrosive environments
Failure: Corrosion alters thermal properties or causes mechanical seizure
Mitigation: Apply protective coatings, use corrosion-resistant alloys, or seal the assembly.
Trigger: Mechanical overload or physical damage
Failure: Strip deforms permanently, affecting actuation accuracy
Mitigation: Include mechanical stops, protective housings, and design for shock resistance.

Industrial Ecosystem

Compatible With

Interchangeable Parts

Compliance & Inspection

Tolerance
±5°C typical actuation temperature tolerance
Test Method
Thermal cycling test per IEC 60068-2-14, deflection measurement under controlled heating.

Buyer Feedback

★★★★☆ 4.5 / 5.0 (36 reviews)

"Reliable performance in harsh Machinery and Equipment Manufacturing environments. No issues with the Bimetallic Strip so far."

"Testing the Bimetallic Strip now; the technical reliability results are within 1% of the laboratory datasheet."

"Impressive build quality. Especially the technical reliability is very stable during long-term operation."

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main function of a bimetallic strip in a trip mechanism?

It acts as a temperature-sensitive actuator that mechanically trips a switch or latch to interrupt operation when a preset temperature is exceeded, preventing overheating or damage.

How is the trip temperature calibrated?

Calibration is achieved by adjusting the mechanical linkage, pre-tension, or the strip's geometry during manufacturing to bend at a specific temperature.

Can bimetallic strips be reset?

Yes, most are designed for automatic reset upon cooling or manual reset after the cause of overheating is addressed.

Can I contact factories directly?

Yes, each factory profile provides direct contact information.

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Bending Punch Bin Body