Bimetallic Strip: Width 5-25 mm, Length 30-100 mm

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

Parameter	Typical range	Notes & selection driver
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)

Ranges are indicative industry figures for RFQ preparation, not a supplier commitment. Confirm every value and standard with the legal manufacturer before ordering.

Standards

ISO 13849-1, DIN EN 60947-5-1, IEC 60730

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

Typical Suppliers & Equivalents

Compliance & Inspection

Tolerance

±5°C typical actuation temperature tolerance

Test Method

Thermal cycling test per IEC 60068-2-14, deflection measurement under controlled heating.

Procurement Evaluation Criteria

A practical evidence checklist for RFQ preparation and supplier evaluation.

Technical documentation

Request current drawings, revision history, and a signed specification sheet.

Manufacturing capability

Verify equipment lists, process limits, capacity, and representative production evidence.

Inspection readiness

Confirm test methods, calibrated equipment, sampling plans, and traceable reports.

Supplier transparency

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Manufacturers of Bimetallic Strip

Manufacturer profiles associated with Bimetallic Strip.

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Compiled and source-reviewed by the CNFX editorial team. Each manufacturer above links to the page on that company's own website where the product is listed, with the date we checked it. How we source and review

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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.

Data Basis

Editorial classification, named public sources where available, and source-reviewed manufacturer records. See the editorial policy.

Preliminary Technical Classification

This page supports structured research, RFQ preparation, and supplier evaluation. It does not replace buyer-led supplier qualification, standards review, or technical approval.

Bimetallic Strip