A heat pad is capable of providing a heating solution, which can keep thermally sensitive products at the recommended process temperatures. There is a high demand for heat pads from numerous industries around the world.Within the industrial environment being machinery, manufacturing process or otherwise there is constant demand for process heating equipment. There are several types of heat mats, all delivering specific requirements and needs. There are multiple options to consider at the time of getting a heat mat, and it is always a good idea to proceed with the best heat mat out of what is available.
What are the most common types of heating mats?
The main heater pads are silicone heater and mica heating pads. There are different types and designs of both of these pads, dependent upon your heat source and temperature. You should pay attention to these differences and end up with selecting the right electric heating pad to cater to your needs.
Mica heater pads/ Micathermic Heater
Mica heater pads also known as micathermic heater pads are space heaters that are used to heat only a small single area to a very high temperature. They are made with thin sheets of mica and are able to withstand extremely high temperatures. They are used to heat surfaces with electrical appliances, typical applications include air heaters, enclosure systems, food service equipment, process, and packaging equipment.There are 2 types of mica heating mats, flat design, and band design. Flat designs are small and thin, they are best suited to flat surfaces and for fitting between two metal surfaces where one or both require heating. Band designs are encased in brass casing and typically used in dies, platens, moulds, and process machinery. You need to understand these differences and buy the right Mica heater or Mica heating pad.
Silicone pads
Silicone Heater Mats, also known as a silicone heater, pads, are a flexible heating device made from silicone rubber. Wires or foils are laminated between the sheets of silicone, offering a rapid and efficient transfer of heat. These heater mats can then be connected to heat control devices such as thermocouples, platinum sensors and limit switches to deliver the required heat or temperature.There are 2 types of Silicon Heater mats, wire wound and etched foil. Wire wound mats are robust and ideal in applications where the heater is installed or regularly removed, applications include industrial catering units, aircraft, and laboratory equipment. Etched foil heater mats have chemically etched foil heating tracks laminated between the silicone sheets. These provide a very precise and accurate temperatures to the silicone heater pads. Applications of a silicon rubber heater include laboratory equipment, anti-condensation heating, GRP pipe curing systems, satellite dish snow melting.
How to buy the best heater pad?
When you are about to purchase a new heater pad, you should first take a look at your application. Based on that, you need to decide whether you are going to get a silicone heater pad, mica heater, wire wounder heater, etched foil heater, or any other type of heating pad.No matter what heat pad you purchase, it would be ideal for rough industrial environments. Therefore, you will be able to continue to use the heat pad without encountering any challenges.