Which heating film is suitable for your application? PET electric heating film, FPC electric heating film, silicone electric heating film - which type of flexible heater? Choosing the right type of flexible heater can ensure the provision of the required heat for the application, without causing damage or malfunction to the product. These types of heaters can be installed on equipment of different sizes, functions and environments (smooth, bulky and flexible).
Choosing the right type of flexible heater can ensure uniform and stable heat, without causing damage or malfunction to the product. Let's take a look at the best uses of three common types of flexible heaters: FPC electric heating film (polyimide heater), silicone electric heating film (silicone heater) and PET electric heating film (polyester heater).
PET electric heating film - Polyester flexible heater
The polyester flexible heater is customized for applications which require lower heat transfer. They have components made of etched foil, indium tin oxide ink, or wire winding, as these components are placed within the polyester layer and are transparent for certain product applications. Their power density is approximately 20 W/in² (0.3W/cm²), and the thickness can be as low as 0.007″.
Here are several advantages of the polyester flexible heater:
Low-temperature application at 220°F
Uniform heat transfer capability
Soft and lightweight, flexible and portable
Sometimes more economical than silicone rubber heaters
Polyester flexible heaters are typically used in smaller products where lower heating temperatures are required. These flexible heaters usually provide a temperature of 221°F. If users frequently use these heaters at medium with high temperatures, the products may be damaged. Polyester flexible heaters can remove moisture or ice that may accumulate on components, such as deicing mirrors, heating batteries, keeping food ingredients at the required temperature in restaurants, heating fish tanks and heating cups in coffee machines, etc. They are applicable for various applications.
FPC electric heating film - Polyimide flexible heater
The polyimide flexible heater is composed of an etched foil element layer. This foil element layer is sandwiched between two layers of polyimide films using FEP adhesive or acrylic adhesive. The FPC electric heating film flexible heater is very thin, with a thickness as low as 0.007″. The power density of the heater is 2.5 to 50W/in².
The advantages of the FPC electric heating film polyimide heater are:
-320°F low temperature threshold
Capable of withstanding up to 395°F temperature
Resistant to cracking or tearing
Resistant to chemicals, radiation and fungi
Minimum gas release in vacuum environment
Uniform heat distribution and stability
Good heat transfer capability
The flexibility of polyimide enables the heater to be used on curved and irregular surfaces without the concern of fitting issues. Polyimide heaters have excellent heat transfer properties and are typically used in harsh environments where durability is required. They are found in the aerospace, food service, military and medical industries. FPC electric heating film flexible heaters can also be used in indoor and outdoor environments.
Silicone heating film / Silicone rubber flexible heater
The manufacturer uses the silicone rubber flexible heater for general application purposes. This component is composed of wound or etched foil that is vulcanized between layers of silicone rubber insulation. This heater is thicker than the polyimide flexible heater because the wound silicone heating element can be 0.03 inches thick, while the average thickness of the etched foil silicone heater is 0.056 inches. The power density of this heater can reach up to 60 W/in².
Some benefits of the silicone electric heating film / silicone rubber flexible heater include:
The maximum temperature range is 455 - 500°F.
Due to the thick silicon material, it can prevent mechanical damage and wear.
It can be vulcanized onto the components.
It is suitable for humid and outdoor environments as it acts as a moisture-proof layer.
It is suitable for flat surfaces.
It is used when large power heating is required.
The silicone flexible heater can be placed on a flat surface and is also suitable for large heating applications that require high power. The silicone electric heating film can also handle higher temperatures in humid and outdoor environments.
The thickness of the silicone rubber provides additional durability and dimensional stability, although heat is transferred with a delay. Lower power and not suitable for applications that require faster heat up, as if faster heat transfer is needed, manufacturers must choose a power of 10 W/in² or higher.
