Flexible Printed Heaters

What are flexible printed heaters?

     

These are heating elements made by applying conductive pastes (e.g., carbon, silver) onto a thin film (e.g., PET), and then secured with a protective layer. PTC (Positive Temperature Coefficient) versions offer self-temperature...

What are flexible printed heaters?

     

These are heating elements made by applying conductive pastes...

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Products that are marked "On Order" in the "Available Quantity" column are usually not in stock. Such products are available for purchase, however, due to their limited customer base, they usually have higher minimum quantities. DACPOL offers products that are not in stock for the following reasons: DACPOL currently has a large number of electronic components in stock and adds new products every day, however, tens of thousands of additional components and their various variants are available from our suppliers. Even though it is unreasonable to have all these products in stock due to the limited sales, we believe that it is in the best interest of our customers to make them available. Our goal is to inform customers about the maximum number of products available and enable them to make decisions based on specifications, prices, availability, required minimums and our technical advice. Please note that selecting the "In Stock" checkbox may limit the display to only products available for delivery straight from the shelf.
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What are flexible printed heaters?

     

These are heating elements made by applying conductive pastes (e.g., carbon, silver) onto a thin film (e.g., PET), and then secured with a protective layer. PTC (Positive Temperature Coefficient) versions offer self-temperature regulation — once the programmed value is reached, the resistance increases, and the heating self-limits the power. Thanks to printed technology, it is possible to achieve a thickness of 0.2–0.5 mm and a very even power distribution.

     

Main advantages

     

  •        
  • Ultra-thin construction and low mass — easy to install in tight spaces.        
  • Even heat distribution — no hot spots.        
  • Ability to freely shape the heating paths and adapt to unusual surfaces.        
  • Options with self-regulating PTC — safer and simpler to control.        
  • Low production costs for large series thanks to additive processes (less waste).      

     

Applications

     

Flexible printed heaters are used, among others, in:

     

  •        
  • Household appliances and professional coffee machines (outlet heating, preventing condensation) — thanks to the thin film, integration into casings and aesthetic elements is possible.        
  • Defrosting and evaporation systems (e.g., de-icing), HVAC, and heat exchangers.        
  • Medical and laboratory devices, where temperature accuracy is critical.        
  • Industrial applications: heating pipes, surfaces, sensors, and electronic components.      

     

Types and technologies

     

Heaters printed with carbon and silver pastes

     

Standard printed heating elements use carbon pastes (cheaper, flexible) or silver pastes (better conductivity). The paths can be designed to achieve the desired resistance and power distribution.

     

PTC (self-limiting) printed heaters

     

PTC heaters contain special inks with a Positive Temperature Coefficient — when the set temperature is reached, the resistance increases, which limits the further rise in temperature and eliminates the need for extensive safety features. This solution is popular where safety and temperature stability are critical.

     

Self-adhesive heating films and mats

     

Printed films are often equipped with an adhesive layer and a protective PET film, which facilitates quick mounting on metal, plastic, or composite elements without the need for additional gluing.

     

How to choose the right flexible printed heater?

     

  •        
  • Temperature range and required power: determine the heating rate and maximum operating temperature.        
  • Surface and shape of the mounting area: do you need a flat film, a ring, a strip, or an element with an unusual shape.        
  • Substrate material: metal, plastic, glass — this affects thermal conductivity and the mounting method.        
  • Control and sensors: do you need a thermocouple/RTD, a PID controller, or is a simple on/off switch sufficient.        
  • Protective finishes and IP rating: the degree of protection against moisture, chemicals, and mechanical damage.        
  • Certificates and industry requirements: medical, food, ATEX/Ex standards for explosion-hazardous areas (if applicable).      

     

Business benefits

     

  •        
  • Reduction of energy consumption thanks to even heating and PTC options.        
  • Reduction of mass and installation space in end devices.        
  • Possibility of integration into aesthetic consumer products without visible heaters.        
  • Faster prototyping and production thanks to printed processes (easier path modification).      

     

FAQ — frequently asked questions

     

Can printed heaters be cut to size?

     

In some printed solutions, the paths and panels can be trimmed according to the marked zones (cut lines). Always confirm the possibility of modification with the manufacturer — not all patterns can be safely cut.

     

How to control the temperature of the heating film?

     

Thermocouples, RTD sensors, or PID controllers are most often used. In the case of PTC, the material structure itself performs part of the regulatory work, which simplifies the control system.

     

Are printed films resistant to moisture and chemicals?

     

This depends on the materials used for production and the protective layer. Versions with an additional protective coating, laminate, or made on special chemically resistant substrates are available. Make sure the selected product meets the application requirements.

         

Summary

       

Flexible printed heaters combine form flexibility, control precision, and material efficiency. They are an ideal choice where minimal thickness, aesthetics, and even heating are important. Contact us to receive an offer and samples from trusted manufacturers.