Flexible Heaters
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Catalog excerpts

Flexible Heaters Flexible Heaters * Ambient environment, not maximum controlling temperature.

Flexible Heaters Flexible Shapes and Geometries Flexible heaters are thin, bendable and shaped to fit almost any type of equipment. Heat can be applied to complex shapes and geometries without sacrificing efficiency or dependability. Excellent heat transfer results from the heater’s thin design and direct bonding to an application. Flexible heaters provide fast heat-up and cool-down rates, uniform heat distribution and high watt densities. Features and Benefits Flat geometry • Permits holes, notches and unusual shapes Option of two material types and two element styles • Allow wider...

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Flexible Heaters Flexible Shapes and Geometries Applications and Technical Data Two Material Types Silicone Rubber Rugged, moisture- and chemical-resistant material easily can be bonded to parts for effective heat transfer. Watlow silicone rubber heaters handle temperatures up to 500°F (260°C). Many heater styles are available with UR®, cUR®, VDE and CE recognition. Polyimide Polyimide is a thin, lightweight transparent material designed for precise heating requirements ranging from -319 to 392°F (-195 to 200°C). It is ideal for applications requiring low outgassing in a vacuum or...

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Flexible Heaters Polyimide Heaters Polyimide is a thin, lightweight organic polymer film that provides excellent tensile strength, tear and solvent resistance and dimensional stability. The polyimide heater is ideal for applications requiring low outgassing in a vacuum or resistance to radiation, fungus and chemicals. Performance Capabilities • For operating environments as low as -319°F (-195°C), heater temperature as high as 392°F (200°C) • Watt densities up to 50 W/in2 (7.75 W/cm2)a • UR® and C-UR® recognitions Features and Benefits Excellent physical and electrical properties • Results...

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Flexible Heaters Polyimide Heaters Technical Data Specifications Dielectric strength • Min. VAC: 1000 Flammability rating • Self-extinguishing Heater size limitations • 18 x 26 in. (457 mm x 660 mm) Weight loss (outgassing) • 0.51% Lead length • 12 in. (305 mm) PTFE E Thickness • 0.007 in. (0.2 mm) Flexibility (min. radius) • 1/32 in. (0.8 mm) Weight • 1.5 oz/ft2 (0.05 g/cm2) Operating temperature • Max.: 392°F (200°C) • Min.: -319°F (-195°C) Watt density rating on stock units • 5 W/in2 (0.8 W/cm2) Maximum Allowable Watt Density Versus Temperature To achieve optimum performance with your...

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Flexible Heaters Silicone Rubber Heaters Rugged, yet thin, lightweight and flexible—use of Watlow® silicone rubber heaters is limited only by the imagination. Heat can be put exactly where it is needed to improve heat transfer, speed warm ups and decrease wattage requirements in an application process. Fiberglass-reinforced silicone rubber provides dimensional stability without sacrificing flexibility. Because very little material separates the element from the part, heat transfer is rapid and efficient. Heaters are constructed with a wire-wound element or with an etched foil element. Its...

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Flexible Heaters Silicone Rubber Heaters Applications and Technical Data Determining Watt Density The Maximum Allowable Watt Density graph illustrates the maximum recommended heater watt density at various metal parts or ambient air temperatures. However, it does not indicate the watt density necessary to achieve a given part temperature. See the Surface Temperature vs. Time graph on the next page for assistance with these calculations. When using this graph, consider: • Part temperature is measured at the point where the heater contacts the metal part. • Thermostats and on-off controllers...

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Flexible Heaters Silicone Rubber Heaters Applications and Technical Data (Continued) Surface Temperature vs. Time This graph illustrates the surface temperature a silicone rubber heater will reach when uninsulated and suspended vertically in 70°F (20°C) still air. Surface Temperature–°C Surface Temperature–°F Data is based on 0.055 in. (1.4 mm) thick construction and is offered as a reference tool. UR®, cUR®, VDE and CE Recognition for Silicone Rubber Heaters Watlow frequently works with customers requiring agency approvals such as UR®, cUR®, VDE and CE. Many silicone rubber heaters are...

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Flexible Heaters Silicone Rubber Heaters Mounting Methods Watlow offers various attachment techniques designed for fast installation. Pressure Sensitive Adhesive Surface (PSAS) For speed, convenience and economy of installation, specify PSAS. Simply peel off the protective backing and roll the heater in place for an even bond to a clean, smooth surface. PSAS is not recommended for curved surfaces or for heaters rated above 10 W/in2 (1.5 W/cm2). It should not be used for applications exceeding 400°F (205°C) on silicone rubber and 300°F (150°C) on polyimide. Note: PSAS has a maximum six-month...

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Flexible Heaters Silicone Rubber Heaters Termination Styles Watlow offers many types of leads and terminations. Leads can project from any position along the perimeter of the unit. They are centered on the short side width of rectangular heaters unless specified. Silicone Insulated Leads PTFE UL® 1180 CSA Leads Shown Exiting Corner of Heater Leads Shown Exiting End of Heater, Centered on Short Side Watlow’s leads are 12 in. (305 mm) long, white, PTFE insulated, flexible, plated copper UL® 1180 CSA wire. Leads are rated for 392°F (200°C)/300V. Lead connections on or at the heater are...

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Flexible Heaters Extended Capabilities for Silicone Rubber Heaters Mounting Methods Factory Bonding Formed Heaters This attachment technique provides a strong, void-free bond for excellent heat transfer and extended heater life that has proven to be successful. Bonding is recommended for applications that reach maximum temperatures of 500°F (260°C) on silicone rubber and 300°F (150°C) on polyimide. Many three-dimensional shapes, such as cylinders, cones and boxes, can be factory formed. Semi-rigid shapes can self-grip to the part. Special tooling may be required for some designs. Integrated...

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