Bimetallic strips are used for temperature measurement and control. They operate based on the differential expansion of two metals with different coefficients of thermal expansion. While not highly precise, their durability and cost-effectiveness make them ideal for ON/OFF temperature control applications.
How Do Bimetallic Strips Work?
- A bimetallic strip consists of two bonded metal strips, each expanding at different rates when exposed to heat
- As temperature changes, the strip bends due to the difference in expansion rates.
- This bending movement is used to activate a switch or move a pointer in thermometers.
Temperature Range and Utility
Bimetallic strips can operate in a temperature range from -180°C to 430°C.
They find usage in various applications, from oven thermometers to home and industrial control thermostats.
These features make bimetallic strips suitable for specific temperature measurement applications where ruggedness and low cost are more important than high accuracy.