Description

Etched Foil Kapton flexible heater Detail

Item:Kapton Heater
Type:Electric Heater
Power Source:Electric
Place of Origin:Guangdong, China
Brand Name:HengXin or Customized
Dimension(L*W*H):customized
Voltage:1.5-220V
Warranty:50K hours under regular working condition
Working Temperature Range:-30-180 ºC
Material:Kapton film+etched metal foil
Thickness:0.15-0.3mm
Back adhesive:3M or customized
Power deviation:±5%
Supply Ability:100000 pcs per month
Packaging Details:PE inner bag+Carton
Certification:ISO9001,RoHS,REACH
Applicable Industries:Aerospace and Aviation,Medical Devices,Laboratory Equipment,Electronics and etc.

What is Kapton Film Flexible Heater?

A Kapton heater is a type of flexible, thin-film heating device made using Kapton, a polyimide film originally developed by DuPont. Kapton is renowned for its exceptional thermal stability, electrical insulation capabilities, and resistance to various chemicals. These properties make Kapton an ideal material for creating heaters used in diverse industrial and scientific scenarios.

Typically, the polyimide heater consist of a thin layer of Kapton film coated with a heating element, such as a resistive wire or a printed circuit. The heating element generates heat when an electrical current passes through it. Kapton’s impressive thermal stability enables these heaters to function at relatively high temperatures without degrading or sustaining damage.

How does Kapton Film Flexible Heater work?

The heaters operate on the principle of resistive heating, involving the following key components and processes:

Resistive Heating Element: At the heart of a film heater lies the resistive heating element. This component is typically crafted from a conductive material characterized by high electrical resistance, such as nichrome (a nickel-chromium alloy). This material is chosen for its proficiency in efficiently converting electrical energy into heat.

Kapton Film: The resistive heating element is either sandwiched within or printed onto a slim, pliable Kapton film. Kapton proves to be an excellent choice for this application due to its polyimide composition, which grants it remarkable resistance to high temperatures. It can withstand the heat generated during operation without deteriorating.

Electrical Current: When an electrical current is supplied to the resistive heating element, it opposes the flow of electrons. Following Joule’s law of heating, this resistance prompts the resistive element to generate heat. The amount of heat generated is directly proportional to the electrical current passing through the element and the square of the current’s magnitude.

Heat Distribution: The heat produced within the resistive element is subsequently distributed across the surface of the Kapton film. Kapton is an efficient thermal insulator, allowing it to preserve and evenly disperse the heat. This uniform distribution of heat is crucial for maintaining consistent temperatures within the intended application.

Temperature Control: Precise temperature control of the heating element is achievable by regulating the electrical current flowing through the resistive element. By adjusting the current’s intensity, the heater’s temperature can be raised or lowered, facilitating accurate temperature control across a range of applications.

Introduction

Etched foil Kapton flexible heaters are a specialized type of heating element widely used in various applications due to their flexibility, durability, and efficient heat distribution. These heaters consist of an etched metal foil heating element laminated between layers of Kapton, a high-performance polyimide film developed by DuPont.

Composition and Structure

The primary components of an etched foil Kapton flexible heater include:

1. Etched Metal Foil: This is typically made from materials like copper or nickel, chosen for their excellent electrical conductivity and resistance to oxidation. The metal foil is etched using a photochemical process to create a precise heating pattern.
2. Kapton Film: Kapton is known for its high thermal stability, electrical insulation properties, and mechanical robustness. It can withstand extreme temperatures making it ideal for diverse environments.
3. Adhesive Layers: Special adhesives are used to laminate the etched foil between the Kapton layers, ensuring strong adhesion and uniform heat transfer.

Manufacturing Process

The production of etched foil Kapton flexible heaters involves several steps:

1. Design and Photolithography: The desired heating pattern is designed using CAD software. This pattern is then transferred onto a photomask.
2. Etching: A metal foil, typically copper or nickel, is coated with a photoresist material and exposed to UV light through the photomask. The exposed areas are then developed, and the unprotected metal is etched away using a chemical solution, leaving behind the precise heating element pattern.
3. Lamination: The etched metal foil is laminated between layers of Kapton film using high-temperature and high-pressure conditions to ensure strong bonding and optimal heat transfer.
4. Testing and Quality Control: The finished heaters undergo rigorous testing to ensure they meet the required electrical and thermal specifications.

Applications

Etched foil Kapton flexible heaters are utilized in a wide range of industries due to their versatility:

1. Aerospace and Defense: Used for de-icing aircraft components, maintaining satellite equipment temperatures, and other temperature control applications in harsh environments.
2. Medical Devices: Provide precise temperature control in diagnostic equipment, patient warming systems, and laboratory instruments.
3. Electronics: Used to prevent condensation and ensure optimal functioning of sensitive electronic components in various devices.
4. Automotive: Employed in battery warming systems, seat heaters, and other temperature-sensitive automotive components.
5. Industrial Equipment: Provide controlled heating in machinery, 3D printers, and packaging equipment.

Advantages

Etched foil Kapton flexible heaters offer numerous benefits:

1. Flexibility: The Kapton substrate allows the heaters to conform to complex shapes and surfaces.
2. Durability: Resistant to chemicals, radiation, and extreme temperatures, ensuring long service life.
3. Efficient Heat Distribution: The etched foil design provides uniform heating across the surface.
4. Lightweight and Thin: Minimal impact on the overall weight and profile of the application.
5. Customization: Can be tailored to specific shapes, sizes, and power requirements.

Conclusion

Etched foil Kapton flexible heaters are a critical component in many advanced technological applications, providing reliable and efficient heating solutions. Their unique combination of flexibility, durability, and precise heat control makes them indispensable in various high-performance environments. As technology advances, the role of these heaters will continue to expand, driving innovation across multiple industries.

Etched Foil Kapton flexible heater Pictures

Flexible Kapton heater Configuration

Flexible Kapton heater in different shapes

Flexible Kapton heating element Application

About Us

HX Technology is ISO 9001 certified manufacturer for Kapton Heaters in China.Our main products are Kapton Heater,PET Heater,Polyimide Heater,Tefflon Heater ,Graphene Heater and Epoxy Resin Heater. With years’ development,we now cover a production area of 3,000 square meter in Shenzhen and all our products are in accordance with RoHS and CE regulations.We will be your best supplier for Film Heaters in China!

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