Material sizing capabilities for flexible heaters
By Mike Blair
The maximum width and length of flexible heaters varies depending on each heater material and construction type. Find out more about heater size and shape in this post.
“What is your sizing capability for x material?”
This is a question we get frequently when talking to potential customers about our flexible heaters. So, we thought it would be useful to collect all that information together in one place.
The table below shows the maximum width and length for each heater material and construction type:
| Material / Construction | Maximum Width | Maximum Length |
| Kapton – Acrylic | 23″ | 29″ |
| Kapton – Acrylic, narrow format | 8″ | 72″ |
| Kapton – FEP | 23″ | 29″ |
| Kapton – FEP, narrow format | 8″ | 72″ |
| Kapton – AP/HT | 23″ | 29″ |
| Silicone – Wire Wound | 35″ | Unlimited |
| Silicone – Etched Foil | 23.5″ | 110″ |
| Butyl – Wire Wound | 35″ | Unlimited |
| Butyl – Etched Foil | 22″ | 28″ |
| Mica | 22″ | 22″ |
(For more information on each material, please go to the associated product page: Kapton, Silicone, Butyl, Mica.)
Size related questions
We also regularly get other sizing-related questions that we can answer here:
- What is the maximum size of a Kapton heater? This depends on the type, or existence, of an adhesive layer (AP/HT has no adhesive layer). With either an acrylic or FEP adhesive, there are two width options…if your project requires a width of 8” or under, the maximum length is 72”; if the project requires a wider envelope (up to 23”), the maximum length is 29”. With an AP/HT construction, the maximum size is 23” x 29”
- What is the maximum size of a silicone rubber heater? This depends on whether your project requires wire-wound or etched foil construction. Wire-wound silicone heaters can be 35” w with an unlimited length. Etched foil heaters can be a maximum of 23.5” w x 110” l
- How long can a flexible heater be? This entirely depends on the type of material and the construction of the heater. See the table above based on the material and construction required for your project.
- What is the widest flexible heater Birk can manufacture? Wire-wound silicone or butyl can each be manufactured at a maximum width of 35”
- Can Birk manufacture custom heater sizes? Yes, Birk can custom design and manufacture any Kapton, silicone, butyl rubber, or mica heater. Birk also offers a range of standard heaters.
- Can Birk manufacture heaters in non-rectangular shapes? Yes, Birk can design complex geometries to meet your project’s most challenging needs.
- Can Birk manufacture heaters in pre-formed shapes? Yes, we manufacture pre-formed shapes for easier and more efficient installation – curved shapes, folded areas, 90-degree angles, etc.
Birk Manufacturing’s engineers can custom design heating solutions to your exact specifications. Reach out to find out how we can support your next project.
