Flexible Heaters place heat precisely where it is needed.
Press Release Summary:
Constructed of thin, lightweight organic polymer film, Polyimide Heaters operate in environments as low as -319°F and are suited for applications requiring low outgassing in vacuum, or resistance to radiation, fungus, and chemicals. Designed for applications requiring up to 1,100°F, Etched Foil Silicone Rubber Heaters are 0.030 in. thick and insulated with mica sheet. Hybrid flexible heaters are silicone rubber heaters with bonded polyimide power flex-lead.
Original Press Release:
Watlow's Flexible Heaters Offer Precise, Thin Yet Robust Heating Solutions
St. Louis - Watlow, a leading designer and manufacturer of heaters, controllers and temperature sensors, offers precise heating solutions with its polyimide (Kapton®) and etched foil silicone rubber flexible heaters and hybrid heaters that combine the advantages of each. These thin but robust heaters allow the heat to be placed precisely where it is needed because the heater circuit is patterned to meet exact customer specifications. Watlow offers a range of flexible heater options for a variety of demanding applications including high and low temperature, vacuum and aggressive environments.
Polyimide heaters are constructed of a thin, lightweight organic polymer film. Polyimide provides excellent tensile strength, tear resistance and dimensional stability. The heater features excellent physical and electrical properties which result in thermal stability over a wide temperature range. The heater is ideal for applications requiring low outgassing in a vacuum, or resistance to radiation, fungus and chemicals. Polyimide is also very resistant to solvents.
The heater operates in environments as low as -319°F (-195°C). Applications include military and aerospace, medical, laboratory research, photographic equipment, optical equipment, LCD displays and computer equipment.
Watlow's high temperature etched foil heaters are designed for demanding applications requiring operating temperatures up to 1100°F (595°C). The heater, only 0.030 inch (0.76 mm) thick, is insulated with a mica sheet. The heater is fairly rigid and must be securely and uniformly clamped for support and good heat transfer during operation.
Etched foil silicone rubber heaters offer zoned heating which assure more uniform part temperatures by matching power density to the application demand. Due to the thin construction and low mass design, the unit heats up quickly. The heaters are readily designed, made-to-order and are available in circular or complex two-dimensional shapes. The heaters can be factory vulcanized to the part that offers great bond strength and superior heat transfer.
Hybrid flexible heaters are silicone rubber heaters with a bonded polyimide power flex-lead. These thin, sturdy and accurate units have the advantages of the etched foil silicone rubber heater, withstand temperature excursions, factory vulcanizing, etc. plus the added flexibility of the polyimide heater in the lead area - making them ideal for demanding applications. The heaters can be designed in the exact shape and size needed allowing the part to conform to a piece of equipment. They are moisture and chemical-resistant providing long heater life.
About Watlow
Since the company's founding in 1922, Watlow has brought its thermal expertise to numerous applications, including semiconductor, plastics processing, foodservice equipment, life sciences, power generation, aerospace and others. Headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri, Watlow is the largest custom designer and manufacturer of industrial heaters, sensors, controllers and software with offices and manufacturing facilities around the world.
For additional information or the name of the nearest Watlow representative:
Watlow
Phone: 1+ (800) 4-WATLOW, 1+ (314) 878-4600
Fax: 1+ (877) 893-1005, 1+ (314) 878-6814
Internet: www.watlow.com
E-mail: info@watlow.com
