Flexible heaters

Precise temperature control and thermal stability

Flexible heaters ensure a stable and even temperature distribution over their entire surface and polyimide- and MICA-heaters can even achieve a temperature accuracy of ±0.1°C. This minimizes temperature fluctuations, which is essential for processes that require highest precision. Their low thermal mass also enables an extremely fast response time, so that dynamic temperature changes can be implemented within a very short time. This ensures a reliable heat source for applications such as medical technology, where constant temperatures over extended periods are essential.

Adaptability and high design flexibility

With a thickness of a few tenths of a millimeter to a few millimeters, flexible heaters can be implemented into virtually any application. They adapt to flat, curved or irregularly shaped surfaces and can even be bent around tight radii without compromising their heating performance. Kapton® and all-polyimide heaters in particular are extremely light and thin, making them ideal for aerospace applications where weight savings are critical.

In addition, customized shapes with any desired cut-outs, multi-zone heating fields and dual-voltage designs are possible. Graduated heating power, multi-layer designs and integrated temperature sensors allow heaters precisely tailored to the requirements of specific applications. This enables precise control of heat dissipation and ensures maximum efficiency even in highly complex technical systems.

Durability and long service life

Flexible heaters have been specifically developed for long-term use in challenging environments and offer outstanding resistance to various environmental influences, depending on the insulation material.

• Kapton® and all-polyimide heaters impress with their excellent chemical and UV resistance and their vacuum compatibility down to -200°C. They exhibit extremely low out-gassing and are therefore ideal for clean rooms, high-precision & space applications and sensitive electronic systems.
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• Silicone heaters are particularly mechanically resilient and remain highly flexible even under heavy use. They are moisture-resistant and offer high resistance to many chemicals making them ideal for industrial applications and for the use in dynamic environments.
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• MICA heaters generate extreme temperatures of up to 600°C and provide a reliable and precise heat source for high-performance applications particularly in metal processing, aerospace and semiconductor manufacturing.
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• Butyl heaters are ideal for applications in humid and aggressive environments. They are waterproof, submersible, resistant to oils and a wide range of chemicals making them particularly suitable for the use in food processing, battery and underwater applications, and the chemical industry.
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• Polyester heaters are the leader when it comes to cost-effectiveness, but they are also resistant to chemicals and oils and have an IPX 4 certification.

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By choosing the optimal material, flexible heaters can be precisely tailored to the respective environmental conditions. This contributes significantly to an extended service life, lower maintenance costs and maximum operational reliability.

High efficiency and direct heat transfer

Flexible heaters ensure efficient and targeted heat transfer as the heating power is generated directly at the contact surface. This minimizes energy losses due to convection or radiation, significantly increasing overall efficiency. The low thermal mass enables a fast response time, so the desired temperature is reached within a few seconds. This is particularly advantageous for applications requiring fast and precise temperature control.

In addition, heaters offer high power densities, which vary depending on the material. Kapton® and all-polyimide heaters achieve power densities of up to 18.6 W/cm², while MICA heaters with up to 23.25 W/cm² are specifically designed for high-performance applications. Due to their efficient heat transfer and high adaptability flexible heaters contribute to optimize processes, reduce energy consumption and increase the overall performance of systems.

Cost efficiency even from low quantities

Flexible heaters are not only powerful, but also economical. Thanks to optimized manufacturing processes they can be produced cost-effectively even in small batches. Butyl heaters for example, offer a cost-effective solution for water- and oil-resistant applications, while polyester heaters serve as a low-cost alternative for applications with moderate temperatures. Customer-specific adaptations such as individual heating patterns, variable power densities or integrated sensors can be implemented without high tooling costs. This makes them attractive for applications with smaller production volumes, particularly in medical technology, prototype development and research.

Flexible heaters offer an excellent solution for a wide range of industrial and demanding applications requiring precise temperature control, high reliability, and homogeneous heat distribution. Their adaptability to diverse requirements makes them a preferred choice in numerous sectors.

Medical technology & laboratory technology

In the medical technology precise temperature control is essential to keep sensitive devices and biological samples at the optimum temperature. Flexible heaters are used in blood analysis devices, incubators, surgical instruments and patient warming systems. Thanks to their even heat distribution and high temperature accuracy, they ensure stable conditions in medical laboratories, diagnostic equipment and sterile environments. Especially Kapton® and heaters heaters are ideal for these applications due to their high resistance to chemicals and excellent electrical insulation. Learn more.

Semiconductor production

The manufacture of semiconductors requires precise temperature control, as even the smallest fluctuations can affect the quality of wafer production. Flexible heaters are used here in wafer handling systems, photoresist development systems and test facilities for microchips. Their fast response time and precise controllability make them a key technology for thermal process control in clean rooms and vacuum applications. Kapton® and heaters heaters offer particularly high temperature stability and minimal outgassing, making them ideal for high-precision manufacturing processes. Learn more.

Aerospace

In the aerospace industry, reliable heating systems are essential to keep electronic components, fuel lines and sensor technologies functional even under extreme conditions. Flexible heaters are used for battery and instrument heating, antenna de-icing and thermal insulation of space systems. Their extremely low mass and high efficiency make them ideal for use in satellites, airplanes and spacecraft, where every extra gram counts. Especially Kapton® and heaters heaters are preferred in this industry due to their low weight and high temperature resistance. Learn more.

Electronics & Automotive

In electronics manufacturing flexible heaters ensure the reliable operation of displays, cameras, sensors, and batteries under changing temperature conditions. They prevent the formation of condensation and stabilize the temperature of sensitive components. In the automotive industry they are used in battery temperature control systems for electric vehicles, de-icing systems for exterior mirrors, and heated seats. Silicone and polyester heaters are particularly in demand here because they are mechanically resilient and remain flexible even at low temperatures.

Industry & mechanical engineering

In industrial manufacturing processes precisely controlled heating systems are crucial for quality assurance and energy efficiency. Flexible heaters enable temperature control in production tools, conveyor systems, compression molds, and injection molds. Their ability to deliver uniform heat even on complexly shaped surfaces contributes to increased efficiency and material conservation in production. MICA heaters are particularly suitable for high-temperature applications, while silicone heaters thanks to their robustness, are ideal for dynamic machine components.

Research & Development

Flexible heaters are indispensable in research laboratories where controlled temperatures are required for material testing, sensor development, and biotechnological processes. They are used in climate chambers, test facilities for new materials, and laboratory systems. Their versatility enables customized solutions for a wide range of scientific disciplines. Kapton® heaters are particularly suitable for applications requiring high precision and minimal thermal inertia, while all-polyimide heaters are used in demanding research projects with sensitive measurement environments.

Selecting the right heater depends on several factors that vary depending on the application and technical requirements. To ensure optimal performance and longevity, you should consider the following criteria:

Voltage and power

The selection of a heater depends on the required electrical properties. Depending on the application, heaters be designed for different voltages – these can range from low voltage (e.g. 12V or 24V) to high voltage (up to 1000V AC/DC). It is also important to determine the required heating power. Power is often specified in watts per square centimeter (W/cm²), with typical values ranging from 0.1 to 23 W/cm².

Temperature range

The temperature range in which the heater should operate is one of the most important selection criteria. The maximum operating temperature of heaters varies depending on the material and construction and can reach up to 600°C. Make sure that the heater covers both the maximum operating temperature and the minimum ambient temperature in your application area. Some heaters like those made of polyimide are particularly suitable for low temperatures, while others like MICA are specifically designed for high-temperature applications.

Choice of materials and resistance to environmental influences

The material of the heater affects their performance and durability in different environments. Flexible heaters are made of different materials such as polyimide (Kapton®), silicone, polyester, butyl, or MICA, which offer different chemical resistance and thermal properties. For applications in aggressive or humid environments, the choice of a material with resistance to the respective environmental influences is crucial. Check the technical data of the respective heater whether the heating solution is resistant to UV radiation, oil, solvents or other chemicals and whether it must withstand moisture, extreme temperatures or vacuum.

Flexibility, dimension and thickness

The flexibility of heaters is a decisive factor in their versatility. They can be easily adapted to curved, irregular, or complex shapes without compromising their heating performance. The size can be customized – from small areas for precise applications to large-scale solutions for industrial processes. Also the thickness of the heater plays a role: Thin films offer fast heat transfer and are ideal for tight installation spaces, while multi-layer designs can integrate additional insulation or heating functions.

Assembly and integration

Make sure that the heater offers the right mounting options for your application. Flexible heaters can be equipped with various mounting options, including adhesive films, adhesives, clips, or mechanical mounts. It is important to consider that self-adhesive films often have a lower max. temperature limit, than foils of the same material, such as Kapton® without a self-adhesive film. Additionally, the integration of optional features and components such as temperature sensors, graduated heating power densities, thermal switches, or safety shutdowns can be beneficial to ensure precise control and protection of the system.

Additional functions and design options

Depending on the application, special design requirements such as multi-zone designs or dual voltage options may be required. These enable differentiated temperature control in different areas of the heater and improved control of heat distribution. In addition, adjustments regarding power consumption, integration into multi-stage control systems, or additional safety mechanisms (such as overheat protection) may be important.

Learn more about the specific features, applications, and benefits of each product group to find the perfect solution for your needs. Click here for an overview of our full portfolio of options. Our team of experts is always available to help you choose the right heater.

Our flexible heaters are characterized by excellent quality and high adaptability. We offer:

High quality, long-term partnerships

We rely on proven, reliable and long-standing business partners to provide you heaters in excellent quality. Our collaboration with leading manufacturers and our focus on continuous quality assurance ensure that our heaters meet the highest demands – regardless of the complexity of your applications. At the same time, we make sure to present you with the best possible solution in terms of price-performance.

Expert advice for your requirements

With years of experience in the field of thermal solutions, we develop customized solutions for you that are precisely tailored to your individual needs - even for the smallest quantities. Our service guarantees comprehensive advice, fast development times and prototypes even for small amounts.

Innovative manufacturing technologies

By using the latest production technologies and a deep understanding of industrial challenges, we deliver flexible heaters that optimally meet your requirements. Whether Kapton® , silicone or other heaters – our products are designed to successfully advance your projects.