High temperature foam insulation is a product used to insulate machine parts and industrial equipment that operates at high temperatures, usually anywhere between 1000 and 3000 degrees Celsius. High temperature insulation works is usually made from a macro-porous carbon material.

A high temperature insulation manufacturer develops this material for many applications, including catalytic converters, fireproof cores and safe rooms. If you want to work for a high temperature insulation distributor, you will train to install insulation for a variety of products and applications. You can find high temperature insulation education and training opportunities through:

1. Manufacturers or a distributor of high temperature insulation.

2. Conferences and trade shows that feature high temp insulation products.

3. Online resources that explain the properties of this product.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Get a chemical engineering degree to research and design high temp insulating foam

To design high temp insulating foam for different applications, you must know what types of compounds and materials can be used at high temperatures. A chemical engineering degree is necessary for those who want to design insulation materials for industrial applications.

I recommend: North Carolina State University offers a chemical engineering degree with many classes that focus on technologies vital to high temp insulation, such as thermodynamics and polymers. The California Institute of Technology offers a chemical engineering program that offers a concentration in research and development.

Find training offered by a high temperature insulation supplier

Suppliers and manufacturers train people to work with the insulation materials they offer. Skills training is offered for people who work a variety of positions with a manufacturer, including those who design and operate injection molding technology. Certification is also provided for those who install high temp insulation.

I recommend: The National Insulation Association provides online training and certification for those who install, repair and design different types of high temperature insulating foam. Milacron Manufacturing Technologies offers classes that cover the injection molding process, which is vital for molding and installing high temp insulation foam into products and machinery.

Attend conferences to learn about advancements in industrial high temperature insulation technology

Trade shows, conferences and events are a great way to learn more about industrial high temperature insulation, the companies that manufacture the material, and what types of applications it is suitable for. Many events also offer educational opportunities where speakers discuss the technology.

I recommend: The Society for the Advancement of Material and Process Engineering holds many conferences and events that teach about the latest in industrial materials. Some seminars at the conference present education on composite materials, including high temp insulation. The Defense Manufacturing Conference is another trade show that includes exhibits and educational events on the use of high temp materials in professional defense vehicles and equipment.

A high temperature insulation manufacturer designs insulation around specific applications. Common applications such as appliances, electrical, furnace and refractory sectors have standard insulation available. Custom designed insulation is also available through manufacturers willing to design around your needs.

Buying from a high temperature insulation distributor allows you to select from ready-to-use materials. Consider the following when looking at any insulation for high temp applications:

1. Look at the temperature range of the high temperature insulation; some as high as 2,800 degrees F are available.

2. Choose a distributor of high temperature insulation based on its rigidity and self-supporting abilities.

3. Learn more about the high temperature insulation online, especially its chemical resistance abilities.

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Find high temperature insulating foam

High temperature foam insulation is one of the top products available and most in demand for its easy application. Foam also provides one of the most durable surfaces not allowing any air flow when packed correctly.

I recommend: Purchase high temperature insulating foam from companies offering high quality, reliable insulation. Elliott provides foam bunstock for fabricated parts using unfaced polyisocyanurate, which is highly fire resistant and lightweight. Nott offers high temperature insulation using materials like Teflon. Many of their products are heat and cold insulated as needed.

Use high temperature blanket insulation on surfaces requiring it

A variety of options are available for high temperature insulation in blanket form for various applications. Blanket insulation has improved considerably, including providing more resistance to temperature change. It effectively works in a variety of environments providing cold and high temperature protection.

I recommend: Select a high temperature insulation supplier specializing in blanket insulation products. Ohio Valley Industrial Services offers several types of blanket insulation including removable and reusable insulation or permanent insulation. Thermal Ceramics offers a number of products for high temperature use and refractory products. Their lines of high temperature blanket products include Cerablanket ceramic fibers and Kaowool.

Investigate options in high temperature insulation coating for industrial use

Buy industrial high temperature insulation meeting safety requirements and extreme temperatures. Heat and cold insulation is available for industrial use in industries like automotive, avionics, lighting and manufacturing.

I recommend: Invest in industrial materials as needed including high temperature urethane insulation. Pacific States Felt & Manufacturing specializes in polyurethane materials including high temperature insulation. Unifrax specializes in custom required high temperature insulation with temperature resistance up to 2,800 degrees F for industrial needs. Their insulation provides sound absorption, thermal shock protection and meets chemical resistance requirements.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  When buying high heat foam insulation, seek out companies offering precision quality application. Foam insulation high temp options are many, but some companies specialize in custom designed high temperature fabrication suitable for a variety of applications.

High temperature insulation products are extremely useful to insulate industrial machinery and machine parts. These products are also useful for various applications, like safe rooms, furnaces and catalytic converters.

Whether you want to become a high temperature insulation manufacturer or distributor, there are several technical terms that you must understand.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

High temperature insulation blanket

A high temperature insulation blanket is a layer or jacket that thermally isolates the equipment or product from the atmosphere. These devices prevent loss of heat from the equipment to the surrounding environment.

I recommend: For description about these products, you can read through information at Thermatras, a leading manufacturer of insulation blankets.

High temperature insulation wool (HTIW)

Manufactured from alumino-silicate glass, high temperature insulation wool is extremely useful for thermal insulation, in high temperature applications and processes around 1000°C.

I recommend: ECFIA, an online resource for the high temperature insulation wool (HTIW) industry, provides detailed description about high temperature insulation wool products.

Rock wool insulation

Rock wool insulation is a type of mineral wool insulation. It is useful in ceiling tiles and spray fireproofing. Rock wool insulation is popular for residential as well as commercial applications as it has excellent thermal resistance.

I recommend: For more information about rock wool insulation, you can refer to InspectApedia, an online resource. The North American Insulation Manufacturers Association (NAIMA) (PDF) also provides information regarding rock wool insulation.

Spray foam insulation

Unlike traditional sheets or other materials that need to be fixed into place for insulation, spray foam insulation has to be sprayed. Once sprayed, it expands in all nooks and corners of the cavity, thereby preventing any heat loss.

I recommend: ToolBase Services, an educational website for building products, materials and housing systems, provides information regarding spray foam insulation. In addition, HGTVPro.com, a website for homebuilding professionals, provides information about spray foam insulation.

Physical vapor deposition (PVD)

PVD includes surface coating technologies that are extremely useful for various coating applications to provide insulation. The coating layers act as layers of insulation for the specific equipment.

I recommend: SubsTech (Substances & Technologies), an informative website for materials engineering, provides detailed description about PVD.

Chemical vapor deposition (CVD)

CVD is a chemical process that is often used to produce thin films or coatings.

I recommend: www.SiliconFarEast.com, a reference website for semiconductor manufacturing, provides detailed information regarding the CVD process.

Thermal insulation standards

American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) provides a number of standards for thermal insulation to evaluate the methods and the materials used for insulation.

I recommend: You can learn more about the thermal insulation standards at the ASTM International website.