Silicone flexible heaters through time

The invention of silicone flexible heaters revolutionized the field of heating technology, offering a versatile and efficient solution to a wide range of heating applications. Developed in the mid-20th century, these heaters have evolved over time to become an essential tool for industries ranging from aerospace and defense to medical and semiconductor manufacturing. Made of a thin layer of silicone rubber with an embedded wire element, silicone flexible heaters offer a low thermal mass, flexibility, and the ability to conform to irregular shapes. With their wide range of sizes, shapes, and configurations, silicone flexible heaters have become a popular choice for heating applications where conventional heating methods are not practical or efficient.

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Pearl S. Buck, (1892-1973).

1950

Silicone flexible heaters were not yet invented in the 1950s. However, the first flexible heating element, known as a “kapton heater,” was developed by DuPont during this decade. Kapton heaters were made of a thin layer of polyimide film with a metal foil element embedded inside. While they were flexible and lightweight, they had limitations in terms of durability and resistance to moisture and chemicals.

During the 1950s, heating technology was primarily dominated by traditional heating methods such as electric resistance heating, steam heating, and gas heating. These methods were effective but had limitations in terms of their ability to be adapted to irregular shapes and sizes. It wasn’t until the 1960s that the first silicone rubber heating element was developed, which paved the way for the invention of silicone flexible heaters.

1960

Silicone flexible heaters began to emerge in the 1960s with the development of the first silicone rubber heating element by Watlow. This new type of heating element was made of a thin layer of silicone rubber with a wire element embedded inside. Compared to the previous polyimide film-based heating elements, silicone rubber heaters offered superior resistance to moisture, chemicals, and abrasion.

During this decade, silicone flexible heaters were primarily used in aerospace and defense applications for de-icing aircraft wings and maintaining the temperature of sensitive equipment. The flexibility and ability to conform to irregular shapes made them ideal for these applications.

In the 1960s, other types of flexible heating elements also emerged, including mica-based heating elements and mineral insulated heaters. However, silicone flexible heaters remained a popular choice due to their flexibility, low thermal mass, and durability. As manufacturing techniques improved, the size and complexity of silicone flexible heaters also increased. Opening up new applications in industrial and commercial settings.

1970

The 1970s saw the widespread use of silicone flexible hea ters in various industries due to their unique properties. Silicone flexible heaters gained popularity in aerospace and defense applications as their low thermal mass and flexibility made them ideal for use in aircraft and spacecraft. These heaters were used for de-icing aircraft wings, engine components, and fuel lines.

In addition to aerospace and defense, silicone flexible heaters found their way into industrial and commercial applications. They were used for heating tanks, pipes, and other process equipment in the chemical, food and beverage, and pharmaceutical industries. Their ability to conform to irregular shapes and sizes made them particularly suitable for these applications.

The development of new materials and manufacturing techniques during the 1970s further expanded the capabilities of silicone flexible heaters. Advances in digital temperature control systems allowed for precise temperature control, while the use of thin-film heating elements improved heating efficiency and reduced energy consumption.

Overall, the 1970s were a period of growth and innovation for silicone flexible heaters, as their versatility and efficiency made them a popular choice for a wide range of heating applications.

1980

In the 1980s, silicone flexible heaters became increasingly popular in industrial and commercial applications due to their versatility and efficiency. With the development of new manufacturing techniques, larger and more complex silicone flexible heaters could be produced, opening up new possibilities for their use.

During this decade, silicone flexible heaters were used extensively in the automotive industry for applications such as warming up engine blocks, oil pans, and transmission fluid. They were also used in the medical industry for patient warming and in semiconductor manufacturing for controlling the temperature of equipment during the manufacturing process.

Their use in food and beverage processing also increased during the 1980s. They were used for heating and maintaining the temperature of tanks, pipes, and other equipment, improving efficiency and reducing energy consumption.

Overall, the 1980s were a period of expansion and diversification for silicone flexible heaters. With their ability to be customized to fit various shapes and sizes, they found their way into a wide range of industries and applications, making them an essential tool for heating technology.

1990

In the early 1990s, silicone flexible heaters were already being used in a wide range of applications, including semiconductor manufacturing, packaging machinery, and medical equipment. As technology and manufacturing processes have advanced, the use of silicone flexible heaters has only increased, with new applications being discovered every year.

They were used in various industries and applications in the 1990s, including:

1. Medical equipment. Silicone flexible heaters were used in medical equipment such as diagnostic equipment, laboratory instruments, and thermal therapy devices.
2. Aerospace. Silicone flexible heaters were used in aerospace applications such as de-icing systems, cabin heating, and temperature control of critical components.
3. Semiconductor manufacturing. These products were used in semiconductor manufacturing equipment for heating and maintaining consistent temperatures in various process chambers.
4. Packaging machinery. Silicone flexible heaters were used in packaging machinery for heating and sealing plastic films, foils, and laminates.
5. Food and beverage industry. Silicone flexible heaters were used for heating and maintaining consistent temperatures in food processing and storage equipment such as ovens, fryers, and refrigerators.