Certain applications need to undergo heating processes up to a particular temperature and silicone rubber heaters perform diligently in these cases. These can be defined as lightweight and flexible heaters that are capable of heating up to 450°F. Being a flexible heater, it can be integrated with the surface that requires heating and can be easily affixed or connected with other parts of the system.
The major benefit that lies with silicone flexible heaters is that they transfer heat with uniformity and rapidity. This is mainly because of 3 obvious aspects – 1) the thin construction of the heater 2) the uniformity of its heating pattern and heating circuit and 3) its closeness to the surface of the application.
Distinguishable features of silicone rubber heaters and their types
Although thin and flexible, silicone rubber heaters are known to be rugged and capable of maintaining dimensional stability. This is because the fiberglass grid of these heaters firmly supports the silicone sheets, which in turn encompass the heating elements of this device.
Being resistant to moisture and chemicals, silicone flexible heaters are considered to be convenient to work with. These are compatible with both flat and curved surfaces and can be factory vulcanized for being used in metallic surfaces. Capable of accommodating cut-outs and holes, silicone heaters can be constructed with thermostats, RTDs, thermocouples or thermal fuses. When it comes to fastening the heaters to a surface, a pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA) vulcanization or RTV can do the job.
2 types of silicone rubber heaters are available in the market, namely:
- Wire-wound style (a specific pattern is created from resistance wire strung in a specific pattern)
- Etched-foil style (it is a flat circuit that is formed when a resistive foil is chemically etched in to a specific pattern)
What are the typical industrial applications of silicone rubber flexible heaters?
With their distinctive features and advantages, silicone rubber heaters are used for multiple applications by varied industrial sectors. Some of them are listed below:
- Animal Feeders
- Air Horns
- Aircraft Comfort Heaters
- Autoclaves
- Aerospace
- ATM Machines
- Airplane Propeller Repair
- Battery Heaters
- Computer Memory Planes
- Credit Card Scanners
- Automotive
- De-Icing
- Graphic Arts Equipment
- Copy Machines
- Drum Heaters
- Incubators
- Food Service Equipment
- Guidance Systems
- Gyroscopes
- Laboratory Equipment
- Heated Presses
- Laminators
- Mirror Heaters
- Liquid Reservoirs
- Optical Equipment
When it comes to choosing a flexible rubber heater, make sure that you purchase the product from a reputed brand and dealer with a good amount of experience and expertise in the relevant field.