Heater Installation
As a general guideline for all methods of installations, it is forbidden to apply electric power on the silicone rubber heaters before they are properly installed in place. Otherwise a premature heater failure may happen due to overheat. For the same reason, the heaters must be attached to the intended object tightly to avoid air bubbles or untouched areas.
Pressure Sensitive Adhesive (PSA)
For ease of attachment please specify PSA. Installation is simple: just peel off the protective liner and apply. It will adhere to most clean smooth surfaces.
Care must be taken to attain a smooth, consistent, uniform bond to achieve maximum performance. What Sinomas uses most often is the general purpose PSA 3M468. The maximum operation temperature is 149°C continuous, and 260°C intermittent. Higher temperature version PSA available.
Factory Vulcanization
Silicone rubber heaters can be factory vulcanized to plain or black anodized aluminum, Stainless Steel and other metal surfaces for permanent attachment and excellent heat transfer. The uncured silicone rubber heater is placed on the metal part and placed in the vacuum oven where the heater vulcanizes and adheres to the part in one operation. This procedure forms an extremely strong permanent bond with most metals due to the fact that the silicone rubber flows into and fills the micro structure in the surface of the metal. The metal part can be manufactured by Sinomas or supplied by the customer. Cabinet heater is a typical example of factory vulcanization.
Field Applied Adhesive
For a field applied permanent bond, a room temperature and ambient humidity curing silicone rubber adhesive is recommended.
RTV106 - a red paste consistency, high temperature resistant adhesive sealant
RTV116 - a red, pourable, high temperature resistant adhesive sealant that will flow or self-level on a surface
Both will retain physical and electrical properties up to 260°C. When using RTV adhesive, cover the heater completely with a thin layer of RTV, position the heater in place, and use a small roller to remove air bubbles, which could cause hot spots and lead to premature failure of the heater.
Magnetic Mounting
A flexible heat-resisting magnetic material can be attached to the back of a silicone rubber heater. They will adhere to many varieties of steel. Ideal for those situations were you need to “Slap On” some heat.
Maximum operation temperature: 95°C
Maximum watt density: 0.2W/cm2
Maximum size: 400mmx3000mm
Clamping
Flexible heaters may be applied by clamping or compression between two rigid materials. The plate surfaces must be reasonably smooth. Care must be taken not to damage the heater or pierce the insulation. Mill out an area or cutout in the top plate for the added thickness of the lead exit area.
Pipe Fitting
Sinomas has developed the technical knowhow to permanently mount silicone rubber heaters to the inside and outside of pipes and ducts. This technique is particularly useful for heating of air or gas pipes.
Mechanical Fasteners
When silicone heating blanket must be detachable from the cylindrical parts, various methods are used. Various techniques routinely used with leather goods can be used on silicone heating mats. These would include:
- Boot hooks and springs
- Velcro
- Buckles and straps
- Grommet and lacing
- Snap fasteners