birkmanufacturing

[birkmanufacturing]

A Guide to Flexible Heaters, Their Types, and Selection Criteria

What Are Flexible Heaters?

Flexible heaters feature flexible heating elements, which can easily conform to any surface. Flexible heaters can be screen printed, etched, or wire wound and are made of different materials. The material of construction also contributes to different properties. The flexibility, ruggedness, and reliability of these heating elements are the three factors that have contributed to their widespread use across industries. Owing to their different materials, these flexible heaters exhibit a wide range of properties, such as chemical resistance, moisture resistance, and so on. They can be operated in harsh to vacuum environments and can withstand continuous temperatures of up to 392°F or 500°F intermittently.

Types of Flexible Heaters Based on Designs & Materials

Flexible heating elements get their names from their designs and materials. Based on their designs, the heating elements are distinguished as:

· Wire-Wound Elements: These feature a resistance wire of a specific diameter. The wire may possess multiple strands or a single strand placed onto the fiberglass core. If the wire possesses multiple strands, then they are woven together before being placed on the core. The wire is inserted in between two layers of a substrate. The substrate typically used by Birk Manufacturing is silicone rubber. Wire-wound flexible heaters ensure great physical strength and flexibility, which makes them popular in dynamic applications. These heaters can be bent and conformed to custom geometries without being damaged. They can also be placed in long patterns in applications where large heaters are needed.

· Etched Foil Elements: Unlike wire-wound heaters, etched foil heaters feature no wires; instead, a thin alloy metal is etched onto the substrate material. Usually, these thin foils are acid etched to create the appropriate circuit pattern. The foils can be made as thin as possible and can appear similar to regular aluminum foils. Flexible etched foil heaters are widely used in applications where weight and size can be major concerns. These heaters also possess complicated heat distribution properties, which enable manufacturers to achieve better temperature control.

Today, heating solutions are available in various materials. The following are a few common materials used in flexible heaters.

· Silicone Rubber: Flexible heaters of this type are made of high-quality silicone rubber, which stands out due to its durability, ruggedness, and flexibility. In addition to this, these heaters are also known for their properties, such as:

o Excellent chemical and scratch resistance

o Excellent zone and weather resistance

o Non-toxicity and flame retardance

o High thermal stability

Owing to the wide range of design flexibility that they offer, silicone rubber flexible heaters are offered as part of a sub-assembly or an integrated assembly. They can be easily integrated with different components as per the application requirements. Silicone flexible heaters can be easily vulcanized onto surfaces to ensure excellent bonding.

· Kapton®: Kapton® is a polyimide film that was developed by DuPont. The heaters made of this material are known as Kapton® flexible heaters. To create these heaters, an etched foil element 0.0001" thick is encapsulated between layers of polyimide film. Polyimide insulated flexible heaters possess the thinnest profile and can easily fit into small spaces. However, having the thinnest profile doesn’t mean having a weak tensile strength. When compared to other flexible heaters, Kapton® heaters have a higher tensile strength. They ensure excellent performance in all types of environments. Kapton® insulated flexible heaters are available in various shapes, wattages, and sizes, and they can withstand a wide range of temperatures.

· Mica: These heaters comprise mica paper that is infused with a polymer that can resist heat. Mica heaters are suited for applications that demand high watt densities and quick temperature recovery times. They can be shaped into 3D geometric patterns, but once the heater is put to use, the flexibility is lost.

Tips for Choosing the Right Flexible Heating Elements for Your Application

Flexible heating elements differ in terms of their properties and applications. So, while choosing them, the manufacturers need to perform a comprehensive evaluation of the requirements. The following pointers will make the selection easy if you are considering it for the first time.

· Performance Requirements: When it comes to addressing the performance requirements, you cannot ignore the following:

o Temperatures: Extreme heating temperatures and low temperatures are two challenges that manufacturers need to address while choosing the material for their flexible heating elements. Extreme temperatures may impair the heating elements, while low temperatures may break them. So, one needs to address them wisely.

o Maximum Operating Temperature: This is the maximum temperature that a heater can sustain without damage. Silicone heaters can withstand high temperatures, but polyimide heaters can work across a wide range of temperatures (from -100°F to +300°F).

o Lowest Operating Temperature: This is the minimum temperature that a heater may be exposed to. Polyimide and silicone heaters are ideal for the lowest operating temperatures. Silicone heaters can be operated in temperatures between -80°F and 70°F. The heaters may malfunction if exposed to temperatures below this. Polyimide heaters can withstand minimum operating temperatures from -200°F to -320°F.

o Heating Capacity: Measured in kilowatts, this indicates the amount of thermal energy delivered by the device over time.

o Watt Density: This is the output of the heater per square inch. It is expressed in watts per square inch of the surface area of the heater. It helps determine the operating temperature of the heater for a set of conditions. You can find heating elements with high and low watt densities. High watt densities may lead to failure due to material heating, fluid carbonization, and the breakdown of the element. High-watt-density heaters are not recommended for poorly circulated materials, viscous materials, or volatile materials due to the high risk of fire. Heating elements with high watt densities are chosen for high operating temperatures. Heaters with the lowest watt density are expensive, as they add to the heater life.

o AC Voltage: This refers to the minimum alternating current, which is required to operate the heater.

o Ambient Temperature: This refers to the immediate temperature of the surroundings where the heater may be stored. Gaining an understanding of ambient temperatures will help prevent the device from being damaged or malfunctioning.

· Surfaces: Flexible heating elements can conform to a wide range of surfaces. However, not all heating elements may be suitable for all surfaces. The following information will help further your understanding.

o Silicone rubber heaters can easily conform to large and flat surfaces.

o Polyimide and polyester heaters are suited for irregular and curved surfaces.

o Transparent polyester heaters are the best choice when aesthetics are important.

· Sizes: The heater dimension is an important consideration when choosing flexible heating elements. They must be sized properly to fit and perform in the application.

Need for Sensors and Temperature Controllers for Flexible Heaters: Most of the time, controls and sensors are built into flexible heaters. Surface mount sensors are one of the important types of sensors used with flexible heaters. RTDs, thermistors, and thermocouples are also used on the surface to be heated. Thermostats are used alongside flexible heaters in many basic applications.

Applications of Flexible Heaters

Custom flexible heating elements are used in various industries. Silicone flexible heaters and polyimide insulated flexible heaters are integrated into the following equipment.

· Incubators and sterilizers

· Freeze-dry equipment

· Handheld outdoor devices

· Wastewater monitoring

· Automated weather equipment

· Food preparation and delivery stations

· Condensation and evaporation equipment

· Surgical tools

· DNA sequencing

· Vending machines

· Air horns

Conclusion

Flexible heating solutions add value to every application. It is important to choose the right material and design for your application. Today, it is quite easy to find these flexible heaters in standard specifications; however, they may not work for your application. Hence, it is always best to partner with a manufacturer who specializes in custom flexible heating elements. Considering all of the factors discussed in this post will make your selection easier and help you make the right decision.

[birkmanufacturing]

Learn About Birk Manufacturing’s Blood Analysis Heaters for COVID-19 Diagnosis

The COVID-19 pandemic has challenged healthcare and medical systems across the world. Due to the fast global spread of the disease, the need for an accurate and rapid medical diagnosis and treatment has become more crucial than ever. Many times, this accurate diagnosis becomes a challenge due to the increased number of patients and shortages of regents, laboratory-based testing elements, and so on. Many medical equipment and parts manufacturers are working hard to meet this requirement, and Birk Manufacturing is one of them. The company has ramped up its production of blood analysis heaters during this time. Birk Manufacturing has been providing heaters for the medical industry for more than 30 years. Now, you may ask how blood analysis heaters play a key role in COVID-19 treatment. Are these heaters only useful for the diagnosis of COVID-19? What medical applications utilize the heaters designed by Birk Manufacturing? This post answers all these questions and gives insight into Birk’s medical heaters.

How Blood Analysis Aids in the Diagnosis of COVID-19

With the cases of COVID-19 increasing, the medical community relies on two types of tests — a viral test and an antibody test — for an accurate diagnosis. The antibody test is not performed to check for the virus; rather, it tests if one’s immune system is ready to defend the illness. Blood analysis is the key feature of an antibody test. The term blood analysis refers to a set of techniques where the chemical and physical properties of a blood sample are examined carefully for the diagnosis of the disease.

There are many types of blood analysis tests performed to analyze the different criteria of a blood sample. The complete blood count (CBC) is one of the most popular and most ordered laboratory tests in the world. It is conducted to evaluate the overall health of an individual. This test considers various features of blood, including oxygen-carrying red blood cells, white blood cells, hemoglobin, hematocrit, and platelets. Nowadays, the CBC is performed throughout the world to spot new cases of the coronavirus disease. These tests are performed using blood analyzers, which demand temperature control to produce accurate results. This is where Birk’s blood analysis heaters can help. These heaters assure uniform heat distribution and help prevent coagulation. Is that all? No — there is more to it. The next section discusses in detail all the ways the heaters can help.

Features of Blood Analysis Heaters Designed and Manufactured by Birk Manufacturing

Birk Manufacturing design and manufactures high precision thin film heaters that are then bonded to specialized blood analyzing probes that are used for COVID-19 diagnosis. The following features make them distinct from other similar products on the market.

· Birk Manufacturing provides Kapton® polyimide film heaters for reagent testing.

· These heaters enable users to accurately diagnose the blood samples taken from patients in critical care.

· These heaters are designed to fit machined parts as well as Teflon® and metal tubing. They are equipped with sensors in custom configurations to ensure precision as well as tight tolerances.

·Kapton® polyimide heaters are thin and are ideal for a small profile or complex two-dimensional applications.

· Customized polyimide film heaters can fit into small surface areas with close heat contact across multiple openings.

· These heaters possess rapid heat-up and cooldown times and are water and chemical resistant. Both these properties make them ideal for various medical applications. 

· Birk provides thin-film sensors in custom and standard specifications to meet the requirements of users’ control systems.

In addition to blood analyzers, Birk Manufacturing also provides medical heaters for hemostasis management, small catheter and insertion heater assemblies, surgical tool assemblies, and incubators. Although the patients suffering from COVID-19 may not need surgical intervention, the patients who are suffering from other conditions may require it. This is why Birk Manufacturing continues to manufacture heater systems with flex heaters or flexible circuit integration for use in hemostasis management and incubators.

[birkmanufacturing]

Connect with Birk Manufacturing at The Battery Show 2019 at Booth #2955

The Battery Show is one of the largest and fastest-growing industry events in North America meant to showcase advanced battery and H/EV technologies. This trade show offers complimentary passes for scientists, engineers, innovators, and executives who specialize in sourcing the latest advanced materials, battery designs, and manufacturing solutions. The event is unrivaled in opportunity for superior vendor sourcing, attracting more than 650 suppliers from across the entire battery supply chain. These key industry suppliers will be showcasing their raw materials, cell makers, components, and so on. This must-attend event provides valuable information on the newest market trends, product developments, and solutions, allowing you to make faster, smarter, and more cost-effective products. With educational sessions, workshops, interactive case studies, and informative panel discussions, the event will benefit advanced battery and electrification professionals through multiple platforms.

 There was no surprise when Birk Manufacturing, a market leader in custom heated battery packs and heated battery enclosures, announced its plans to showcase its work at this year’s The Battery Show. The Battery Show 2019 will be held at Suburban Collection Showplace from Sept 10 to Sept 12. Birk Manufacturing will showcase its custom flexible heating solutions, turnkey products, and domain expertise in this upcoming event, which boasts participants from the automotive, portable electronics, medical, military, telecommunications, utility, and renewable energy industries. The experts at Birk Manufacturing are also looking forward to discussing technology and material development pertaining to the production of flexible heating solutions for battery systems. Visiting Birk Mfg at Booth #2955 will be an opportunity for participants to meet the experts and discuss topics crucial to every stage of advanced battery thermal design. Moreover, with your participation, you get a chance to grow your business by enhancing your vendor base and moving your projects to the next level.

Event Details

Booth: #2955

Expo Date & Timing:

Tuesday, September 10: 9:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.

Wednesday, September 11: 9:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.

Thursday, September 12: 9:30 a.m.–3:00 p.m.

Event Venue:

Suburban Collection Showplace

46100 Grand River Avenue, Novi, MI 48374

Event reference URLs: https://thebatteryshow.com

 About Birk Manufacturing

Birk Manufacturing, Inc. is a leading manufacturer of innovative thermal elements and flexible heaters for various industries. The company provides flexible heating elements in custom specifications for use in battery systems. These heating elements are provided in materials such as Kapton®, silicone, insulated mica, and butyl rubber. The company is located in East Lyme, Connecticut, and manufactures in adherence to ISO 9001, ISO 13485, AS 9100, and ITAR certifications. Birk Manufacturing is also UL & CSA recognized. The company also provides application engineering services and quality-driven customized flexible heating systems, all while efficiently meeting complex application requirements.

[birkmanufacturing]

Birk Manufacturing Exhibiting at BIOMEDevice Boston 2019

Birk Manufacturing is a well-known manufacturer of thermal systems and flexible heaters in the US. Its products, such as Kapton customized flexible heaters, find numerous applications in the medical and MedTech sectors. Some of the application areas of these heaters include NA research, patient care, biomedical research, pharmaceutical experiments, and life sciences. Birk Manufacturing takes pride in participating at BIOMEDevice Boston 2019, which enables the integration of the medical and engineering industries. Definitely visit Birk at booth number #765.

What Birk Can Offer

Birk is extremely particular about quality, offers quick turnaround times, and has several new and in-house design and manufacturing capabilities across levels. Birk has ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 13485:2016 certifications for medical devices. Birk focuses on the following segments:

Medical devices

Medical device components

Flexible circuits

Sensors & detectors

Thermal management

Engineering services

What You Can Expect As a Visitor

The event offers an opportunity to learn the latest requirements of customers in the medical sector, as well as the research and innovation going on in the industry. It is also an excellent platform to connect with industry peers and prospective customers as well as understand the current market better. It also helps you expand your network, increase business prospects, and learn and adopt the best manufacturing practices. Use our promo code BMD-ub08 and get discount on registration.

About the BIOMEDevice Boston 2019 Event

BIOMEDevice is an MD&M event that offers the latest research and innovation in MedTech and the embedded systems used in the medical sector. The event is useful for all MedTech professionals, researchers, students, and businesses manufacturing biomedical equipment and instruments, among others. It features three expos — BIOMEDevice Boston, Design & Manufacturing New England, and Embedded Systems Conference (ESC) Boston — all on one floor. So, you get to see a variety of products and next-generation medical devices equipped with intelligent sensors used in a variety of applications, including virtual reality and wearables, all made by industry-leading players. This event can offer some really interesting experiences, such as surgical simulations using high-end technology.

Birk is well prepared to showcase and explain its products and engineering capabilities to all visitors. The Birk Manufacturing team is looking forward to meeting you at BIOMEDevice Boston 2019. If you need an appointment, please contact us now.

Event Schedule

Booth Number: #765

Expo Date & Timing:

Wednesday–Thursday, May 15–16, 2019

10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.

Event Venue:

Boston Convention and Exhibition Center

415 Summer St.

Boston, MA 02210

[birkmanufacturing]

Birk Manufacturing to Participate at the Pittcon Conference and Expo 2019

The importance of advanced equipment and technology in the medical and diagnostics sectors cannot be denied. These advancements have helped achieve fast and accurate diagnosis with minimal or noninvasive procedures. Every year, Pittcon brings all the experts in this field onto a single platform. Birk Manufacturing is proud to participate in the expo and showcase some of its most innovative products related to thermal systems and flexible heaters, explaining its tremendous contribution in these sectors. If you are a research professional in the biomedical sector, a student, a manufacturer or supplier of lab instruments, or a member of any other relevant sector, then attending the Pittcon Expo and Conference 2019 will help you in several ways. Visit the Birk team at booth 835.

What You Can Expect from the Birk Manufacturing Booth at the Pittcon Conference and Expo 2019

Birk Manufacturing is a leading manufacturer of innovative and high-quality thermal heating systems, flexible heaters, and much more. Birk is extremely focused on quality and has a number of certifications to its credit. The company is certified according to ISO 9001:2015, ISO 13485:2016, AS 9100D, ITAR, UL, and CSA. In addition to many other sectors, Birk’s products have found extensive application in diagnostics and medical science. Here is what you can expect at the Birk booth:

1. Birk Manufacturing will showcase its industry-leading products, including flexible heaters, temperature sensors, Kapton heating solutions, silicon rubber heating systems, Mica-insulated heating elements and systems, and butyl rubber heating elements.

2. The team will also emphasize custom heating assemblies, RAPT°R heated tubes, wire harnesses, and more.

3. You can get to know the working and beneficial features of Birk’s products and their significance in these sectors as well as their customizability and ease of use.

4. You can learn more about Birk’s latest innovation and its best engineering practices.

5. You can see how flexible and compact Birk’s heaters are and how they fit on any small surface with heat contact.

How Are Birk’s Heating Systems Useful in the Diagnostics and Medical Sectors?

· They maintain a controlled temperature range for certain devices and test samples.

· They are used to merge heat and sensors in surgical tools.

· They are especially useful as reagents for blood analysis and can replicate body temperature for body fluid testing (polyimide film heaters).

· They are used in incubation facilities for temperature control.

To find out about more applications, visit the team at the expo.

What is Pittcon Conference and Expo 2019?

Since 1950, Pittcon has been one of the leading annual expositions and conferences for laboratory science. In its 70th year, Pittcon has scheduled numerous exciting additional sessions, symposiums, networking sessions, and other useful events. Pittcon began as a small technical meeting followed by an exhibition of instrumentation products, but over the years, it has grown to attract leading businesses, medical professionals, and research scientists from across the globe.

Takeaways of Pittcon 2019

This five-day expo and conference has a lot to offer to everyone in this field. Here are a few reasons to consider attending the event this year:

· You’ll have an opportunity to understand the current research patterns and innovation in lab instruments.

· There will be several live demos and product seminars to upgrade your knowledge. Learn about the latest in medicine formulations, energy- and food-related challenges, and more.

· There will be lectures by eminent people from the industry. Topics are as varied as Excel and VBA in labs; data integrity; and laboratory compliance to chromatography, mass spectrometry, and thermal analysis techniques.

· The event will feature more than 2,000 technical representations and 100 skill-building courses.

· You can also register for skill-building short courses, which cover analytical topics in sectors including food science, life science, wastewater management, and pharmaceuticals.

· You can discuss your thermal challenges with industry-leading experts at booth 835!

Details of Pittcon Conference and Expo 2019

· Dates: March 17–21, 2019

· Venue: Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA

· 2019 Event Times:

o Tuesday, March 19 (9am–5pm)

o Wednesday, March 20 (9am–5pm)

o Thursday, March 21 (9am–5pm)

[birkmanufacturing]

Bolt-on temperature sensors are customized for your needs. 

[birkmanufacturing]

Thermal Solutions for Aerospace Industry.

[birkmanufacturing]

Thermal systems for telecommunication applications.

[birkmanufacturing]

Thermal solutions for commercial and Industrial applications. Check out  http://goo.gl/IEqi3d to know more.

[birkmanufacturing]

Innovative Value added #assemblies and sub - assemblies.

[birkmanufacturing]

Read Birk full case studies about our many challenging projects where our application engineers and staff's talents have been put to good use.

[birkmanufacturing]

Customized #sensor solutions.

[birkmanufacturing]

Surface Mount Sensors with Kapton and Silicone

[birkmanufacturing]

Temperature Sensors: Compare and Contrast Between Thermocouples and RTDs

[birkmanufacturing]

Non-heated sensor assemblies

Know more about non-heated sensor assemblies and wire harnesses.

[birkmanufacturing]

Choose heaters from standard selection list.#heaters

[birkmanufacturing]

Happy Independence Day !