• • • ADVERTORIAL • • •
Old School, Still Cool: Why Bimetal Tech is more
Rob Savin Managing Director at ATC Semitec
ne such quiet powerhouse is the bimetal strip. Developed in the 18th century, bimetal technology remains at the heart of modern thermal control systems across industries. And in an era focused on efficiency, sustainability and reliability, it’s proving more essential than ever.
O
A heritage of innovation The roots of bimetal technology trace back to the pioneering work of John Harrison, the revered English clockmaker who solved the longitude problem with his marine chronometers. Harrison’s use of bimetallic components, fusing brass and steel to counteract thermal expansion, marked the beginning of a revolution in thermal compensation. By harnessing the differing expansion rates of dissimilar metals, engineers could design a simple, robust system that bends predictably with temperature changes. Over time, this principle evolved into the engineered bimetal strips used today in thermostats, circuit breakers, motor protection devices and countless other thermal control applications.
Why Bimetal still matters As engineering design shifts toward high- performance, cost-effective and low-maintenance systems, the value proposition of bimetal devices becomes increasingly clear. Compared to electronic sensors which utilise NTC thermistors or
relevant than ever In the fast-paced world of engineering innovation, technologies come and go. But some solutions, born of simplicity and necessity, not only endure, but thrive
RTDs, bimetal components are inherently autonomous. They require no external power source, no digital signal processing and no complex integration as they can be mounted in-line with the system circuitry, making them ideal for stand-alone or fail-safe systems. Bimetal controls are compact, rugged and able to switch high currents directly on or off in response to temperature change. Their snap-action mechanism delivers reliable, repeatable switching with minimal contact arcing. Crucially, they offer decades-long durability under a wide range of environmental conditions, from sub-zero temperatures to heat-intensive industrial processes.
Sustainability through simplicity In today’s sustainability-driven engineering landscape, the low-energy footprint of bimetal components is a major advantage. By operating mechanically without constant current draw, these devices support energy efficiency and reduce long-term environmental impact. Their long service life and minimal maintenance requirements further contribute to sustainable design practices, especially in applications where electronics may fail or be difficult to replace. For example, solar-powered or battery-operated systems in remote geographical installations benefit greatly from bimetal technology’s self-reliance. Applications in aerospace, telecom
towers, or even marine buoys often demand autonomous thermal protection, something bimetal devices provide without fuss.
The thermostat that changed the world
The ½” disc thermostat is perhaps the most widely deployed bimetal device today. These compact, snap-action ‘button’ thermostats are the unsung heroes behind reliable temperature control in countless appliances from toasters and rechargeable batteries to HVAC systems and water heaters.
Global demand for these thermostats is soaring, driven by the growing need for energy-efficient heating and cooling solutions. Government mandates aimed at reducing carbon emissions are fuelling retrofits and innovations within building systems. In this context, bimetal thermostats deliver precise thermal regulation and robust switching capacity, at a fraction of the cost and complexity of electronic controls. ATC Semitec offer wide-ranging solutions through their range from Asahi Keiki, with thermostats rated for continuous temperature operation up to 250°C and a 16A/250VAC contact rating. Options include automatic-reset thermal cut-outs, non-resettable fuses and high-reliability switches suitable for a wide range domestic and industrial applications.
Another essential product in the bimetal portfolio is the adjustable thermostat. Found in devices like ovens, electric irons, heaters and commercial catering equipment, these open-frame controls feature large, flexible bimetal blades that respond rapidly to temperature shifts. Campini’s thermostats, for example, use high-performance contact materials such as beryllium copper to deliver precise snap-action control across wide operating ranges, from as low as 5°C to as high as 260°C, with loads of up to 16A/250VAC. This allows engineers to fine-tune appliances for both user safety and performance. In electric irons, for instance, the bimetal control ensures a consistent temperature, maintaining user safety and fabric protection. In space heating or fryers, it guarantees absolute shutoff to prevent overheating or fire risk.
Meeting the precision challenge Bimetal technology has evolved to meet the growing demand for high precision thermal control.
8 ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING • MAY 2025
electricalengineeringmagazine.co.uk
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