Etch Foil Heaters

Carlton Thermal Systems are approved suppliers for RICA division IRCA Spa, one of the largest heater manufacturers in the World.

Together we develop and supply very high-quality Etched Foil elements for heating surfaces and fluids through excellent heat exchange and thermal uniformity.

The basic principle is to insert a slim metal heating track (aluminium, steel, nickel-chrome non-magnetic alloys, copper, constantan, etc.) between two insulating sheets of Silicone, Polyimide, Mica or Polyester.

There are endless possibilities in design and the heaters are supplied with the following:

• Wires with PVC, Silicone, Teflon or Polyimide protection
• Connectors
• Controls (thermostats and thermal fuses)
• Sensors (thermocouples, PT100, PT1000, NTS, SMD components)
• ZIF connectors

The applications for this type of heater are very diverse from Aerospace (satellites, space stations, planes, etc) through to Electro-medical applications, domestic panel radiators and waterbed heaters.

Flat Heating Elements offer many advantages that make them the most effective solutions for many applications:

• Possibility to differentiate power distribution in specific areas to offset possible lack of thermal consistency
• Temperature range - 50 to 350ºC
• Minimum heat dispersion for application on external surfaces
• Possibility to provide complex and versatile designs for virtually any application
• Easy fit
• Minimum weight and thickness
• Cost effectiveness 

Manufacturing processes used for etched foil heaters for the aerospace industry are ESA certified to ESCC 4009 and 4009/002 specifications.

Flat Heating Elements are UL and VDE certified and can have a protection rating up to IP 67.