Flexible heaters offer many design advantages over rigid metal sheath heaters:
- Very thin, low mass
- Quick heat-up
- Conform to various curves and odd shapes
- Easy to apply (no costly drilling or machining)
- Intricate circuit patterns available with etched foil
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Flexible heaters are often utilized by design engineers because the insulation materials in their system cannot withstand the temperatures of metal sheathed heaters.
The heater must operate within these limits to ensure that its temperature limits are not exceeded. Silicone rubber can withstand 450˚F (232˚C) and Kapton® 500˚F (260˚C).
There are many ways to achieve temperature control. Birk can supply the controls or recommend controls for the customer to purchase. Many times Birk can build the sensors directly into the heater. |
