Basic Things You Must Know About Silicone Rubber Heaters: Part 2

Easy application of heat where it is needed no matter the shapes, sizes, and dimensions is what adds to the wide popularity of silicon rubber heaters. Manufactured with wire or etched foil heating circuits placed between two “wafers” of silicone, these heating solutions are available in varying watt densities, dual voltages and multiple heated zones. In the last post, we had a discussion about the typical features and advantages of silicone rubber heater. In this post, let’s see the several mounting options of the heaters along with a few application examples.

3 Mounting Methods of Silicone Rubber Heaters

Silicone rubber heating solutions are designed to be mounted easily to flat or curved surfaces. While specifying requirements of silicone rubber heater to the manufacturer, it is important to specify the preferred installation option. The 3 commonly followed mounting methods include:

• Pressure Sensitive Additives (PSA): If your application demands quick and economical installation, as well as smooth and clean results, then pressure sensitive additives are the best. You just need to peel off the adhesive or protective backing and stick the heater on a desired surface. This type of installation is not suited for curved surfaces.
• Vulcanizing: This installation method is widely chosen when permanent and strong attachment of heaters are required on metal surfaces, as it guarantees an excellent heat transfer. Vulcanizing is done by placing uncured heater on the metal part to be bonded, which is then placed in the vacuum oven to a desired time frame.
• Mechanical Fasteners: Installation with fasteners is the best solution for applications that demand the heaters to be wrapped around structures. A few amongst the mechanical fasteners used include boot hooks, grommets, snap fasteners, lacing cord, hooks and loops, hooks and springs, straps, and more.

Additionally, field applied adhesives, magnetic mounting, inside and outside diameter mounting, and clamping are the other ways incorporated to install Silicone Rubber Heaters on surfaces like thermocouples, RTDs, wiring harnesses. Choose the right mounting method as per the application requirements is of paramount importance to achieve the right fit.

Where are Silicone Rubber Heating Solutions Typically Been Used?

Silicon rubber heaters have been put for use in endless application across several industrial sectors. A few industries that benefit from this flexible heating source include medical,aerospace,defense,semiconductor, chemical, telecommunications and HVAC. A few application examples include:

• Blood analyzers
• Respiratory therapy units
• Hydrotherapy baths
• Wafer processing equipment
• Food holding and warming cabinets
• Satellite and communication equipment
• Hydraulic equipment
• Laser printers
• Photo processing equipment
• Semiconductor processing equipment

Would you like to replace your current heating source and try these innovative, easy to apply, and flexible heating solutions? Then get them in a high standard of quality at cost-effective prices from leading manufacturers like Birk Manufacturing, which is one of the leading manufacturers of silicone rubber heaters in the market. Achieve the most efficient heat transfer by choosing the right type of silicone rubber heating solutions from several options available at Birk Mfg.