Tempco's flexible Thick Film Heating Elements offer a wide range of design options for OEM applications.
By utilizing printed thick film technology,
the heaters can more efficiently spread the heat
across the surface, and are more cost effective systems
when compared to comparable etched foil or
wire elements.
The design incorporates printed thick film technology
as the active heat source. The ink can be
designed in various patterns and densities, concentrating
power exactly where it is needed. The element
traces can be widened or narrowed to allow
for cutouts and holes.
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PRINTED THICK FILM TECHNOLOGY - Efficient | Cost Effective | Custom Designed
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Construction
Conductive and resistive inks are printed on a film substrate layer,
and then covered with another film layer laminated together with
pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA). Typically, the film layers are
.005" thick thermoplastic or thermoset polymers, like polyester
(up to 105°C) or polyimide (up to 180°C), that exhibit good thermal
conductivity while serving as electrical insulators. An additional
layer of PSA can be added to the bottom of the assembly
so the element can be bonded directly to the surface to be heated,
ensuring excellent thermal transfer.
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Typical Applications
- Blanket heaters for Battery Back-Up Systems
- Video Camera Lens Defoggers
- Outdoor Enclosure Warmers
- Fluorescent Bulb Starters
- Clear LCD Heaters
- Packaging/Sealing Bar Element
- Medical Equipment
- Food Service Equipment
- Mirror Heater/Defoggers
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Cooler Operating Temperature
By spreading the heat trace over a larger percentage of the surface
of the element, a Tempco element will also operate at a cooler
operating temperature due to the lower watt density in a given
area. Low thermal mass also allows the heat to be transferred more
quickly to the surface to be heated. Both characteristics enhance
the safety and overall life of the element.
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Controls and Sensors
Controls and Sensors
More exacting control is available for the heaters as well.
Thermostats and temperature sensors can be mounted directly on
the heaters for direct temperature control. Thermal fuses/TCO's
are available for overtemperature/runaway condition protection.
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Resistive Inks
The elements, due to the resistive inks used, exhibit a slight PTC
effect, or positive temperature coefficient. As the temperature of
the elements increase, the resistance also increases, lowering current
draw and wattage output. This further enhances the safety of
the element, and allows for full power when needed at cooler temperatures,
while conserving energy consumption at higher temperatures.
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The elements can be designed for either AC or DC variable input
voltages up to 277 VAC, with UL/CSA recognized component
watt densities of up to 25 W/sq. in. The technology lends itself
well to both small and large designs, with current products ranging
from 5/8" x 1-1/4" to 24" x 98". Round, oval and other non-linear
shapes and designs are easily accommodated. Elements can also
be pre-creased to allow elements to be wrapped around the surface
to be heated, minimizing concerns about film memory and potential
delamination.
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