Insulation Jackets UK | High Temp Bespoke Jacket Manufacturer
Typical industrial heater jacket applications
- Plastic extrusion barrels
- Injection moulding machines
- Blow moulding machines
- Rubber processing equipment
- Pipe extrusion
- Dies
- Flanges
- Valves
- Pumps
- Steam systems
- Industrial ovens
- Process vessels
- Heat exchangers
Soloheat manufacture high temperature insulation jackets, commonly used to fit directly over all types of externally mounted industrial heating elements. We are one of the only UK manufacturers to offer 38mm thick jackets, with fastening options of VELCRO® or cam buckles.
Capable of operating at temperatures up to 500 deg Celsius, all materials used in our jacket construction are non-flammable. We use Kevlar coated stainless steel thread for all stitching, ensuring our jackets are extremely robust.
Why consider using Soloheat insulation jackets?
- Energy / cost savings – each application differs but as a rule of thumb the typical payback period for the initial cost of the insulation jackets plus the labour cost of fitting them is < 12 months*. Start up times and thermal drift are substantially reduced.
- Health & safety – fitting jackets to hot barrel and die heaters will greatly reduce the potential burn risk to operatives. They are a useful way of controlling risk in a Companies formal Risk Assessment.
- Increase longevity of heaters – fitting our PTFE coated glass cloth outer faced insulation jackets can protect the heaters from plastic drool ingress.
- Improved Process Stability:
- More consistent barrel temperatures
- Reduced Heater Cycling
- Less wear
- Reduced contamination
- Faster Warm-up
- Less heat escaping
*depending on the duty and cycle of the machines heaters / process, and operational days per annum.
How Insulation Jackets work
Soloheat’s custom high-temperature insulation jackets are manufactured to fit the non-contact surface of almost any industrial heating element, regardless of shape or size. They are equally effective when fitted around internally heated tooling and machine components, including those heated by cartridge heaters, helping to reduce heat loss, improve process efficiency and lower energy consumption.
Who uses Insulation Jackets
We supply our industrial insulation jackets to many industries including:
- Plastics – extruder insulation jackets
- Packaging – machine insulation covers
- Pharmaceutical – injection moulding machine barrel covers
- Chemical – valve insulation jackets
- Food processing – pipe insulation jackets
- Aerospace – quick release freeze protection insulation jackets
- Automotive – tooling insulation covers for storage
- Rubber – tool insulation covers
- Research laboratories – bespoke profile insulation jackets
Insulation Jacket FAQ's
How much energy do insulation jackets save?
The energy savings achieved by insulation jackets depend on the operating temperature, equipment design and operating hours. In many industrial applications, insulation jackets can significantly reduce heat loss, often resulting in energy savings of 20–50%. By reducing radiant and convective heat losses, less power is required to maintain operating temperature, lowering electricity consumption and operating costs.
Can insulation jackets be removed?
Yes. Soloheat insulation jackets are designed to be fully removable and reusable. Hook-and-loop fasteners, straps or other fixing methods allow jackets to be removed quickly for maintenance, inspection or replacement of heating elements before being refitted without damaging the insulation.
How hot can insulation jackets operate at?
Our standard high-temperature insulation jackets are suitable for continuous operating temperatures of up to approximately 500°C, depending on the insulation materials and outer fabric selected. Higher temperature constructions are available for specialist industrial applications. We will recommend the most suitable materials for your operating conditions.
Are insulation jackets waterproof?
Our standard jackets are manufactured using durable silicone-coated glass fibre fabrics that provide excellent resistance to moisture, oils and industrial contaminants. While they offer good protection against water splashes and wash-down environments, they are not intended for permanent immersion or high-pressure water jet cleaning unless specifically designed for those conditions.
Can cut-outs be added?
Yes. Every insulation jacket is custom manufactured and can incorporate cut-outs for terminal boxes, thermocouples, pipework, brackets, lifting points, sensors, mounting bolts and other equipment. Each jacket is designed to fit around your application without compromising ease of installation or thermal performance.
What materials are used?
Soloheat insulation jackets are manufactured using carefully selected high-temperature materials, including silicone-coated glass fibre fabrics, glass fibre insulation, ceramic fibre insulation where required, high-temperature sewing threads and robust fastening systems. Material selection depends on operating temperature, environment and mechanical requirements.
Can insulation jackets fit existing heaters?
Absolutely. Our insulation jackets are custom made to fit both new and existing industrial heating equipment. They can be manufactured for band heaters, ceramic heaters, cast heaters, barrel heaters, pipework, valves, vessels, tooling and many other heated components, regardless of whether they were originally supplied by Soloheat.
Do insulation jackets improve heater life?
Yes. By reducing heat loss, insulation jackets help maintain more stable operating temperatures and reduce heater cycling. This can reduce thermal stress on heating elements and electrical components, helping to extend heater service life while improving overall process efficiency.
What measurements are required?
The measurements required depend on the application. Typically, we require overall dimensions, diameter or circumference, height or length, together with the locations of terminal boxes, sensors, supports and any other obstructions. Photographs and simple sketches are often sufficient, and our engineers can advise if additional dimensions are needed.
How long do insulation jackets last?
The service life of an insulation jacket depends on operating temperature, handling and environmental conditions. Under normal industrial use, high-quality insulation jackets commonly provide many years of reliable service. Durable materials and replaceable fastening systems help maximise operational life and minimise maintenance costs.
Insulation Jacket delivery time
As all insulation jackets are custom manufactured, typical lead times are 2–3 weeks for smaller orders and 4–5 weeks for larger or more complex designs. We confirm the manufacturing lead time at the time of quotation.
To order or enquire
Please contact us to discuss further, or e-mail us as much of the following info as possible:
- Heater type (eg: cast, mica, ceramic etc.)
- Approx. Outside Diameter of heater (if round)
- Length (& width if flat)
- Termination type (include overall size for cut outs in jacket)
- Size & number of Holes / cut outs
- Application of the heaters to be insulated
- Qty of insulation jackets required per zone
Why choose Soloheat Insulation Jackets
- ✓ Custom manufactured for any shape or size
- ✓ UK designed and manufactured
- ✓ Reduce heat loss and energy costs
- ✓ Lower external surface temperatures
- ✓ Improve process consistency
- ✓ Quick installation and removal
- ✓ Durable, reusable construction
- ✓ Expert technical advice
- ✓ Fast turnaround and dependable delivery
- ✓ Over 45 years of industrial heating expertise
Electric Heating Element solutions – Links
That’s the Jackets sorted – now take a look at our heating solutions:
- Cast Aluminium / Alum Bronze Heaters
- Ceramic Band Heaters
- Mica Band Heaters
- Tubular & Square section Elements / Immersion Heaters
- Nozzle Heaters – includes on-line store
- Cartridge Heaters – includes on-line store
- Thermocouples, Plugs & Cables – includes on-line store
For more information on Electric Engineering Principles, check out our Engineering Guide