Kapton (Polyimide) Flexible Heaters

KAPTON (POLYIMIDE) FLEXIBLE HEATERS-PRODUCT DESCRIPTION

Polyimide (Kapton™) is a semitransparent, flexible, thin material, ideally suited for the manufacture of etch foil heater mats. With its low thermal mass, superb electrical insulating properties and excellent resistance to most chemicals, it allows high power densities with fast and efficient thermal transfer. Being thin and lightweight with a wide temperature range Kapton (polyimide) flexible heaters have a distinct advantage over other forms of heating elements. Where fast response, chemical resistance and a low profile is required kapton (polyimide) flexible heaters offer the ideal solution.

Kapton (polyimide) and silicone rubber heaters are extremely versatile and operate efficiently in many environments. Some distinct advantages of kapton (polyimide) and silicone rubber heaters are:

• Moisture resistance
• Oil and solvent resistance
• Chemical resistance
• Outdoor exposure
• Extremely thin profiles
• Conform to almost any shape

 

All silicone rubber and kapton (polyimide) heaters are built to order, but rush delivery is available. In most cases, NPH can deliver custom silicone rubber and kapton (polyimide) heaters within 72-96 hours. All NPH flexible heaters are available with custom design modification. Custom designs are welcome. Please contact us with your requirements.

Kapton (Polyimide) Flexible Heaters - Kapton® flexible heaters offer superior tensile strength and tear resistance, with precision heat distribution. They are ideal for extreme temperature environments, from -319°F to +392°F (-195°C to +200°C). Heaters are in stock standard at 0.0007” (0.2mm) thick and up to 20”x26” (.508m x .660m) areas. Watt density is 5W/in² (0.8W/cm²) standard, with kapton heater units available to 50W/in² (7.8W/cm²). Kapton® (polyimide) is an organic polymer with very high dielectric capabilities, while providing superior resistance to most solvents, oils, even radiation. With low out gassing, these heaters are useful in vacuum environments. Kapton etched foil heating elements, with 12” (305mm) long Kapton or Teflon® leads, are standard. Silicone leads, as well as custom lengths, cord and plug sets available.

Being transparent, Kapton® film also allows easy visual inspection on the internal structures. Pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) backing surface is not standard, but NPH will customize your kapton® heaters with special adhesives or mounting holes, as the application requires. Mechanical fasteners such as hooks, grommets, spring-loaded latches, snaps and velcro® patches are also available. Minimum radius flexibility 1/32” (0.88mm) standard with weight of 1 1/2oz/ft² (0.05g/cm²).

Kapton® (Polyimide) Flexible Heaters - The particular application conditions of aerospace, medical, composite fabrication, optical equipment and computers often require flexible heating elements. NPH offers a wide assortment of in-stock and custom flexible heaters in kapton® (polyimide) and silicone rubber materials to suit most any of these needs. Silicone Rubber heaters permit composite bonding and curing, as well as repair and fabrication operations. Equal length circuits and a cool tab are provided, while a fiberglass reinforced heater cover means long service life and increased durability. Standard watt density is 5W/in2 (0.8W/cm2). All standard heaters are UL Recognized. Many sizes in stock from 6” x 6” to 20” x 20” (152.4 mm x 152.4 mm to .508 m x .508 m). Kapton® (polyimide) flexible heaters offer superior tensile strength and tear resistance, with precision heat distribution. They are also ideal for applications with extreme temperature environments, -319°F to 392°F (-195°C to 200°C). Heaters in stock standard at 0.007” (0.2 mm) thick and up to 20” x 26” (.508 m x .660 m) area. Watt density is 5W/in2 (0.8W/cm2 ) standard.

KAPTON FLEXIBLE HEATERS TECHNICAL SUPPORT & DATA SHEETS

  Kapton Polyimide Flexible Heaters Brochure

 

APPLICATIONS

KAPTON (POLYIMIDE) FLEXIBLE HEATERS - APPLICATIONS:

• Heating of Electronic Components- ATM's and Photocopiers
• Heating of Aerospace Instrumentation-Satellites and Spacecraft
• Semiconductor Wafer Processing
• Autoclaves, Incubators and Sterilizers
• Vacuum Chambers
• Medical Imaging, Medical Diagnostic Instruments and Analyzers
• Applications requiring a flexible shape or design

National Plastic Heater supplies kapton polyimide heaters for many other different applications such as industrial catering, battery warming, environmental control or electronics (particularly telecommunications), laboratory equipment and anti-condensation. The uses for polyimide heaters are infinite as they can suit any application requiring surface heating up to 200°C. Their suitability for arduous conditions has been proven in applications from polar expedition to space exploration. We are the final frontier in polyimide heaters!

 

TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR KAPTON (POLYIMIDE) FLEXIBLE HEATERS:
NPH Kapton heaters can be supplied with factory fitted sensors and switches to suit all types of instrumentation. Available from stock are PT100’s, J, K and T type thermocouples, bi-metal thermostats and thermal fuses. We also fit customer specified thermistors and other resistance temperature devices as well as extruded pockets for customers to fit their own sensors. Separate mechanical or digital thermostats can be supplied for process control.

 

 

How To Order Kapton (Polyimide) Flexible Heaters
1) Specify length and width
2) Specify watts and Volts
3) Specify type of temperature control required-Thermocouple, RTD, Pre-Set T-stat etc
4) Specify with or without sticky back (PSA-pressure sensitive adhesive)
5) Specify holes, notches, cutouts etc.
6) Provide drawing and or image or sample when required
7) Specify length of leads
8) Specify type of application and its parameters