4 key applications of mica electrical insulation

4 key applications of mica electrical insulation

Mica is highly suited to use as insulation in electrical applications – low, mid or high voltage – because of its superior performance. Mica has a high dielectric strength, able to withstand up to 2000 kV/mm before breaking down. In addition, it also has relatively high permittivity, meaning that it performs well as a dielectric in a capacitor. In terms of its physical properties, mica is highly durable and can also be strengthened by combining and laminating it with glass or ceramic, which is common in electrical applications.

With that in mind, let’s look at some more specific applications in which mica electrical insulation is useful.

Industry Update: Foundry and Steel

Industry Update: Foundry and Steel

The global foundry and steel industry is massive, 112.7m tons of metal castings are produced globally every year. In Europe alone, 290,000 are employed in the foundry industry. 

As has been the case in many other industries, foundry and steel has experienced the impact of COVID-19 on production, supply chains and consumer demand. With foundry being one of the sectors we work with most frequently, we wanted to examine the current climate in the industry and the outlook for the coming months. 

The advantages of using mica insulation in foundries

The advantages of using mica insulation in foundries

At the extreme operating temperatures in the foundry industry, it’s vital that the right insulation and the right insulation material be used to ensure an adequate level of safety, consistency and efficiency. We have been working closely with the foundry industry for many years – and as such have developed a number of highly effective mica-based insulation solutions that can help to increase safety, reduce maintenance costs and increase efficiency by significantly reducing heat loss.

Let’s explore some of the reasons why mica insulation is advantageous in a variety of applications in the foundry industry.

Case study: Providing energy savings for an alumina production facility

Case study: Providing energy savings for an alumina production facility

The customer

Our customer is one of the largest integrated producers of alumina and aluminium in Asia, and ranks in the top five aluminium producers in the world. Their low cost but high-quality solutions are used in a wide variety of industries, including automotive, building and construction, defence, electricals, pharmaceuticals and white goods. Their 1182 acre alumina plant, established in 1969, comprises three rotary kilns, two with 3.05m diameter and one with 1.98m.

How will COVID affect the electric vehicle market?

How will COVID affect the electric vehicle market?

As part of the global initiative to combat climate change, the sale of non-electric vehicles will be banned in 9 countries by 2030. In the UK, where the date is currently 2035, there has been talk of bringing this forward to 2030. Some countries have plans for earlier bans – such as Norway, which plans to phase them out by 2025, and Austria, who planned to stop the sale of them this year. These initiatives and benchmarks have proven to be the impetus behind legislation, innovation and movement in the electric vehicle market over the last couple of years.

How mica insulation can help improve safety

How mica insulation can help improve safety

The right insulation solution can help to increase efficiency, extend the useful life of the system or equipment, and help to reduce maintenance costs. Perhaps most importantly, having the right insulation solution can ensure the safety of anyone operating the equipment – protecting them from high voltages and/or high temperatures. Mica’s unique thermal, electrical and physical properties make it ideal for use as an insulation solution in a number of applications. Mica-based insulation can withstand up to 1000°C, and 2000 volts before breaking down, meaning it can offer vital protection in high temperature and high voltage situations. With that in mind, let’s take a look at how insulation can help to improve safety in a number of applications.

Heat dissipation and insulation: what you need to know

Heat dissipation and insulation: what you need to know

Heat dissipation is an unavoidable but nonetheless negative side effect of a number of processes in a range of industries – from forging steel to powering an electric vehicle. Heat dissipation and insulation both need to be considered for ensuring maximum safety.

A number of factors can affect heat transfer. It’s important to understand what these factors and outcomes are in order to find the right way to address the heat dissipation with the right insulation.

Here’s what you need to know about heat dissipation, and how thermal insulation can help address it.

Mica’s use in consumer appliances

Mica’s use in consumer appliances

We produce mica-based insulation solutions for everything from aeroplane components to massive induction furnaces. Mica’s superior properties as a thermal and electrical insulator make it ideal for these large-scale industrial applications. But it’s also incredibly versatile, easy to cut, shape and mass produce to be used in appliances and devices we use everyday. 

Let’s take a look at how mica is used as insulation in consumer appliances, and why it’s an ideal choice.

Building a resilient supply chain

Building a resilient supply chain

The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have been felt keenly across the global economy. Combining this with large shifts in geopolitical policy, every single industry has been impacted, and has been experiencing delays and problems with their supply chain. The US is entrenching an ever-deepening trade war with China and the UK has decided to leave the European Union. Therefore for many manufacturing companies, building a resilient supply chain will become more critical than ever.