Many of today’s products require heat to prevent freezing and condensation, or bring components to a specific operating temperature. This heating is achieved through flexible heating elements, known as silicone heaters, attached to a power source. The heaters are found in various types of consumer and non-consumer products, ranging from car batteries to laboratory equipment, and everything in between.
What is a Silicone Rubber Heater?
Silicone heaters are a flexible type of heater designed for high-temperature applications. Though the design of these heaters has remained unchanged over time, they are used in some of the most demanding and advanced applications.
The design consists of a layer of silicone rubber with a conductive material (nickel or nickel alloy) placed on top. Another layer of silicone lies on top to complete the design. Adhesives are not required between layers, unlike other types of heaters. Temperature sensors and the lead wires used to power the heater are embedded in the material, versus being soldered.
What Are the Advantages of Silicone Heaters?
The adaptability of silicone heaters makes them suitable for almost any application involving higher operating temperatures. They are highly customizable and can be made in a range of shapes and sizes. Key performance advantages include:
- Thin, flexible design conforms to flat surfaces and complex shapes
- Material resists chemicals and moisture
- Handles temperatures from 200°C – 250°C, also suitable but not required for low-temperature applications
- Consistent and even heat distribution
- Constructed using zero adhesives
- Suitable for higher watt densities
- Wide voltage range
- Can be manufactured to UL approvals and IPC specifications
How To Choose the Right Heater for Your Application
Most heaters are made from either Kapton® (polyimide) or silicon rubber. The choice between the two depends solely on operating temperature, as both offer similar technical characteristics in terms of flexibility and durability. Silicone rubber is only necessary if your operating temperature is above 180°C, the point at which adhesives used in polyimide heaters typically begin to fail.
If you are unsure of the operating temperature or have concerns about heater performance in the application, an engineer can help you determine the best solution based on your requirements.
Silicone Rubber Heaters: The Final Word
Silicone flexible heaters are versatile with a simple and robust construction. Used across various applications ranging from consumer products to aerospace components, the technology provides dependable heating in an uncomplicated yet highly functional design.
Tramonto Circuits designs and manufactures silicone heaters in any quantity. Request a solution based on your existing design or discuss your application requirements with our in-house engineers. We will work with you to develop a custom solution in compliance with IPC standards. Contact us to learn more.