3D Printer Heaters: Kapton Polyimide & Silicone Rubber Heaters

National Plastic Heater, Sensor and Control Inc. (NPH) has designed, engineered and produced custom 3D Printer bed heaters/pad heaters for 3D Printer heated beds also referred to as additive manufacturing using proprietary silicone rubber heater materials and designs for several international 3D printer companies.

Kapton (Polyimide) Flexible Heaters

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.

Silicone Rubber Heaters

Silicone rubber heaters consist of many layers of silicone rubber sheets that are bonded together through heat and high pressure. A fiberglass grid (which is visible on the surface) reinforces the silicone rubber sheets. It is possible to make the surface of the heaters smooth (i.e. make the grid invisible) by covering the fiberglass with a thin layer of silicone. A uniformly spiraled resistance wire web that covers the entire surface of the heater is embedded within the layers of silicone rubber. This web could be designed such that holes and cut-outs are incorporated on the heater. When silicone rubber heaters are made with a pressure sensitive adhesive backing, a thin layer of aluminum is added prior to the adhesive layer, in order to improve heat transfer and maintain its uniformity. This construction makes silicone rubber heaters an ideal solution to the requirements of many low and medium temperature applications, which do not conform to the standard shapes, sizes and dimensions of band, strip, cartridge, tubular and coil heaters.

Custom Silicone Rubber and Kapton (Polyimide) Heaters

Silicone rubber and custom kapton (polyimide) heaters are extremely versatile and operate efficiently in many environments.

  • 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

All silicone rubber and kapton (polyimide) heaters are built to order, but rush delivery (3-5 days in most cases) is available. NPH can deliver custom silicone rubber and kapton (polymide) flexible heaters within 10-15 Days. All NPH flexible heaters are available with custom design modification. Etch foil and wire wound technology. Precise even heating. Flexible and lightweight. Moisture and chemical resistant. Wide temperature range -60 to +230°C UL and VDE approval available. Full design and manufacturing service.

Medical Device & Analytical Instrumentation Heaters

National Plastic Heater, Sensor and Control Inc. designs, engineers and custom produces flexible heaters for many industries. Below you can find some of the industries we have become excellent in providing solutions and serving with our silicone rubber and kapton polyimide thermal circuits.

Preformed Silicone Rubber Heaters and Assemblies

In applications where a heater mat is required to fit small diameter pipe-work a more precise fit can be obtained by using the preformed silicone rubber heater option. NPH can form and vulcanize silicone heaters to fit full or partial circumference of any pipe diameter. These heaters can be supplied with separate straps for fixing or can be permanently installed using room temperature vulcanizing silicone adhesive or self adhesive systems.

Custom design. Etch foil and wire wound technology. Precise even heating. Flexible and lightweight. Moisture and chemical resistant. Wide temperature range -60 to +230°C UL and VDE approval available. Full design and manufacturing service

 

Spiral Wrap Pre-Formed Silicone Rubber Heaters

NPH silicone spiral wrap heaters to suit pipe work and tubular applications, however, manufacturing techniques for standard preformed heaters meant that for small diameter pipes the heater could only be manufactured in short lengths for rigid pipe work. Through continued product development, NPH can now offerthe Spiral Wrap Heater range to suit flexible or rigid pipes. All in all a great flexible heater strip pre-formed spirally to fit various small diameter pipes/tubes/lines with consistent contact for better temperature uniformity.

Silicone Rubber Heaters-Attachment Methods

When flexible silicone rubber heaters must be attached on cylindrical and other parts, various attachment methods are used. Various techniques routinely used with leather goods can be used on flexible surface heaters. These would include: Boot Hooks, Grommets, Snap Fasteners, Boot Hooks and Lacing Cord, Velcro - Hooks and Loops, Boot Hooks and Springs, D-Rings and Straps.

In addition these, other methods are also used for temporary and permanent installations:

 

  • Pressure Sensitive Adhesive Back (PSA)
  • Factory Vulcanizing
  • High Temperature Aluminum or Fiberglass Adhesive Tape
  • Magnetic Mounting
  • Field Applied (RTV) Adhesive
  • Clamping or compression between two rigid materials

 

Silicone Rubber Enclosure Heaters

NPH silicone rubber enclosure heaters are designed for easy installation and safe operation. These rectangular-shaped wire wound silicone rubber heaters are vulcanized to an aluminum mounting plate with mounting holes. They provide superior protection for enclosures of all types against condensation, humidity and freezing. It is recommended that the enclosure heater be used with a thermostat either built-in or mounted remotely to limit the maximum temperature reached and conserve energy.

Silicone Rubber Heaters-Accessories

Temperature Sensors and Switches for Silicone Rubber Heaters: NPH silicone 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. Specialist Materials and Approvals: As well as the large variety of stocked silicone materials available, NPH can manufacture heaters in specialist silicones to customer requirement such as colour, thickness and Low Smoke/Low Toxicity. We are certified to manufacture silicone heater mats with UL, CSA or VDE approval, which simplifies full approval for the finished assembly. Supply Cable and Connectors: NPH standard termination is via single leads or multi-core silicone cables. These can be terminated with connectors by major manufacturers such as Amp and Molex. Other types of cable as well as spiral wrap and heatshrink sleevings are available on request. Integral Foam Insulation: To provide higher efficiency during heating, NPH flexible silicone heater mats can be thermally insulated with a closed cell silicone foam insulation vulcanized to one face. Many thicknesses are available from stock, as well as specialist types such as flame retardant that can be supplied on request.

Silicone Rubber Gas Line Heaters

Uniform gas temperature in delivery lines is critical to eliminate condensation and contamination of the wafer process. NPH introduces improved Insulated Gas Line Silicone Rubber Heater designs to maximize heat profile uniformity and prevent unwanted thermal gradients that lead to reduced yields and tool downtime.

Hazardous Area Explosion Proof Drum Heaters

environments have special considerations in order to keep it safe such as auto-ignition points. No matter what needs to be heated, we have a solution that meets the rigorous criteria of a hazardous area.

Exclusive hazardous-area approval: Class I Division 2 Groups A*, B, C, and D Class II Division 2 Groups F and G. Dual set-point NEMA 7 temperature controller connected to a high temperature limit indicator light. Exceptional 8" (203mm) coverage area. Superior durability and flexibility. Moisture and chemical resistant. Patented grounded heating element meets NEC 427.23.

* Only for drum heater without NEMA 7 temperature controller. Contact factory for more information

Hazardous Area Explosion Proof Silicone Rubber Heater Blankets

containers in hazardous area projects. Safely heat , flammable liquids, low-temperature ovens, process vats and dip tanks, storage tanks, hoppers, dry storage bins & coal silos.

Exclusive hazardous-area approval :

Class I Division 2 Groups A, B, C, and D

Class II Division 2 Groups F and G. Suitable for a large range of surfaces like tanks, hoppers, conveyors, silos, etc. Exceptional durability, moisture and chemical resistant. Easy-to-apply industrial strength pressure sensitive adhesive backing option. Patented grounded heating element for your safety meets NEC 427.23

Silicone Rubber Drum Heaters & Pail Heaters

Designed to provide freeze protection, viscosity control, melting of solids and maintenance of materials at elevated temperatures. Provide practical, efficient means of freeze protection, viscosity control and maintenance of materials at elevated temperatures. A variety of standard sizes are combined with availability of configure-to-order designs to meet a variety of applications.

Heavy Duty Silicone Rubber Drum Heaters & Pail Heaters

provide longer life for freeze protection, viscosity control, melting of solids and maintenance of materials at elevated temperatures.

Heavy Duty Silicone Rubber Drum Heaters

Experience the NPH Difference: Extra Wide, Extra Strong, Easier-to-Use

 

  • 4" wide drum heater at a 3" price
  • Excellent solution for a wide range of poly and metal drum applications
  • Extra long service life: Excellent strength and durability
  • Patented grounded heating element meets NEC 427.23
  • Easy adjustable thermostat control displays in oF or oC
  • 73/23/EEC (Low voltage directive)

 

Full Coverage Drum & Pail Heaters

verage Drum Heaters are designed to wrap around a drum and heat the contents while insulating to keep the heat exactly where it needs to be. Full-Coverage
drum heaters combine the convenience of quick heat-up time and the precision of a digital controller to provide you with the most efficient practical means of freeze protection,

viscosity control, and maintenance of materials at elevated temperatures. Fully insulated to maximize heat efficiency. Easy-to-use digital temperature controller with

audible / visual alarm. Metal or poly drums. Grounded heating element meets NEC 427.23. Drum insulating covers also available. Ideal for a wide range of applications.

Silicone Rubber Hopper Heaters-Modular Surface Heaters

at to eliminate bridging, pluggage, condensation and corrosion on:

ESP (electrostatic precipitator) hoppers, bag house hoppers, most material and

dust-collector hoppers

Metal Clad Modular Hopper Surface Heaters

Maintain elevated temperatures above moisture and acid dew points. Ideal for ESP (electrostatic precipitator) hoppers, bag house hoppers, and material and dust-collector hoppers

Silicone Rubber Heating Tapes with Adjustable Thermostat

 a wide range of applications. Adjustable thermostat: 50o to 425oF (10o to 218oC)*

Maximum exposure temperature: 450oF (232oC). Silicone rubber extruded outer sheath and Fiberglass knitted and braided construction. Moisture and chemical resistant with a power density of 6.0 watts/in² (0.009 watts/mm²). Suitable for electrically conductive surfaces. Available in 120V or 240V models. Six foot (2m) power cord supplied with the 120VAC units. Standard two-prong plug (Nema1-15). Bare wire connection supplied for the 240 VAC tapes

Self Regulating & Constant Wattage Heating Cable & Cords

Heating cable is also referred to as heating tape and heat trace cable amongst the industry. Heating cable is used for a wide range of applications including pipe tracing, freeze protection, viscosity control, temperature process maintenance, roof and gutter, and much more. NPH also offers a true heating tape that is much more flexible and provides a more rapid thermal response. Prevent freezing on a wide array of objects like pipes, valves, tanks, vessels and pumps. Process maintenance and viscosity control. Ideal for long runs on pipes and vessels. Prevent freezing in your critical areas with our variety of heating products. Freeze protection heat tapes, cable and heat cords are available for quick and easy installation on pies, valves and tanks.

Tote Tank Heaters, Intermediate Bulk Container (IBC) Heaters

zing and improve flow. Speed up the flow of products like honey, molasses,

lube oil, biofuel stored in bulk containers. Heat a wide range of outdoor and indoor caged tote tank / IBC heating applications. Partial Coverage and full coverage plug and play systems.

 

Gas Cylinder Warmers, Heaters

Improves process control and reduces wasted gas that has condensed. Creates convection current. Increases pressure inside cylinder. Gases known to benefit from this process:

SF6, Propane, Nitrogen, Oxygen, BCl3, WF6, and HF Fits most gas cylinders. Full surface coverage. Insulation reduces heat loss. Models for hazardous locations

Class I Division 1 Groups B, C and D
ATEX II 2G EEx de IIB T6

Mantle Heaters (Laboratory Heating Mantles)

Laboratory Heating Mantles offer uniform heat distribution for round-bottom flasks. Whether the need is a self-standing mantle, a mantle to fit in a basket ring stand, or a full coverage zippered mantle, NPH Heating Mantles provides the solution.

NPH also offers laboratory heating tapes that are very flexible and ideal for wrapping around various types of laboratory apparatus.

Beaker Heaters (Laboratory Beaker Heaters)

Easy-to-install and remove. Moisture and chemical resistant. Uniform heat across the surface of beaker. Fits Griffin and standard size beakers. Maximum exposure temperature: 232oC (450oF). Hook and loop closure allows for quick installation and removal.

Insulated Heating Tapes

Flexible heating tapes are also available for Laboratory and industrial applications requiring temperatures up to 1100ºF. Our standard and heavy insulated heating tapes be it manufactured of fiberglass (900ºF) or Samox (1100ºF) are suitable for use on conductive or non-conductive surfaces be it metallic or non-metallic. Many of our heat tapes can be found on glass beakers, tubing, pipes and valves.

Insulated Heating Tapes

Flexible heating tapes are also available for Laboratory and industrial applications requiring temperatures up to 1100ºF. Our standard and heavy insulated heating tapes be it manufactured of fiberglass (900ºF) or Samox (1100ºF) are suitable for use on conductive or non-conductive surfaces be it metallic or non-metallic. Many of our heat tapes can be found on glass beakers, tubing, pipes and valves.

Extruded Silicone Rubber Heating Tapes

These general purpose flexible heating tapes consist of extruded silicone rubber and heating element, ½” to 3” wide, in lengths from 2 to 10 feet. They are moisture and chemical resistant with a rugged and dependable percentage controller which provides accurate control of the temperature. Standard flexible heating tapes are available for either 120 or 240 volt operation, develop 72 watts per linear foot and can withstand exposure temperatures up to 500*F.

High Capacity Bulb and Capillary Temperature Controllers

Ideal for high wattage tank and hopper applications. Suitable for outdoor use. Easily set your desired temperature. Bulb and capillary control. Three temperature range choices to fit your application

Extra Heavy Duty Silicone Rubber Drum & Pail Heaters

Experience the NPH Difference: Extra Wide, Extra Strong, Easier-to-Use

  • Longest lasting and most durable drum heater
  • Excellent solution for a wide range of poly and metal drum applications
  • Patented grounded heating element meets NEC 427.23
  • Easy adjustable thermostat control displays in oF or oC
  • CE 73/23/EEC (Low voltage directive)
UL Registered Firm World Wide Shipping CSA US
We Ship Our Kapton Polyimide and Silicone Flexible Heaters To OEM’s & Industry World Wide

Inquiries & Technical Support

Telephone: 905-859-8225 Facsimile: 905-859-4691

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Toll Free: 1-877-674-9744