Kapton® Heater Bonding Information

Kapton® heaters can be applied to metal surfaces using PSA, clamping or FEP and Acrylic bonding. 

Pressure Sensitive Adhesive:  PSA can be applied to Kapton® heaters either acrylic of FEP bonded. The PSA must be applied at the factory and selection of the type Kapton® used is important as the FEP is a release agent.  By selecting the proper materials the heaters can be applied to metal surfaces and provide good bond for many years.

Clamping Kapton®:  Kapton® heaters can be clamped to metal surfaces by using a pressure plate held in place by fasteners. Because Kapton® heaters are so thin it is a good idea to use a pressure pad or insulation layer between the heater and the pressure plate to cushion the heater and direct the heat towards the work surface. The work surface must be clean and free of chemicals and foreign materials that could affect the heater and free of sharp projections that could pierce the heater.

Bonding Kapton® Heaters:  Birk has developed proprietary processes for acrylic and FEP bonding of Kapton® heaters to metal surfaces. This is a heat and pressure process that must be performed at the factory. Kapton® is bonded directly to the metal using either acrylic or FEP. The bond strength is very good and provides excellent heat transfer with no field problems.