Temperatures
Ceramic band heaters can withstand a higher temperature than mica band heaters. Ceramic band heaters have a maximum operating temperature of 1200⁰F vs a maximum operating temperature of 800⁰F for a mica band heater.
Heater Life
Ceramic band heaters typically (but not always) have a longer life expectancy. This is due to the coiled resistance wire that is fed through ceramic blocks (called knuckles) vs. the thin resistance ribbon that is used in mica band heaters. The coiled resistance wire has a smaller ratio of surface area to internal cross-sectional area and thus doesn’t really oxidize and burn through as fast as the ribbon.
Watt Density
Mica band heaters can have a higher watt density than ceramic band heaters. Because the resistance ribbon in a mica band heater is tightly clamped between pieces of mica, there is better heat transfer from the ribbon to the exterior surfaces of the heater. Also, in general, mica band heaters will have less unheated area than a ceramic band heater, especially in smaller band heaters.
