SPLIT-SLEEVE HEATER AND REMOVAL TOOL

摘要

A tool (40) for removing a split-sleeve heater (10) from a target object (12), such as a hot runner nozzle body, is provided that includes a handle, a shaft extending from the handle, and a protrusion disposed around at least a portion of a distal end portion of the shaft. The protrusion defines a shoulder, and the shoulder is adapted to engage a removal feature of the split-sleeve heater. In another form, a split-sleeve heater (10) is provided that includes a heater body having opposed ends and a slot (14) extending between the opposed ends (16,18). A recess (20) is formed conjointly with the slot (14) proximate at least one of the opposed ends (16,18), which is adapted for engagement by a removal tool (40). Methods of operating the tool (40) and forming the slot (14) of the split-sleeve heater (10) are also provided.