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Silicone heating mat vs. aramid fleece: Material comparison
Silicone heating mats are among the established standard solutions for industrial heating applications. They are used in many applications, but – depending on their geometry, weight, or integration requirements – they reach their technical and economic limits. For this reason, textile heating technologies are becoming increasingly important.
This article considers a specific material comparison between classic silicone heating mats and Heating mats made of aramid fibers as a textile alternative. The respective properties, advantages and disadvantages, as well as typical application scenarios, are compared.
A Comprehensive overview of silicone heating mats, their basic structure, industrial applications and all available alternatives can be found here:
Silicone heating mat: Technology and textile alternatives
This article classifies the following comparison as a sub-aspect within the overall market.
Aramid fibers or silicone? Here's what you can expect:
Silicone heating mat vs. aramid fleece: structure and properties
Silicone heating mats
To manufacture silicone heating mats, heating conductors in the form of wire or strands are laid out as heating elements and then embedded in silicone. This process is called vulcanization and requires considerable energy, as the silicone must be heated to a high temperature to deform mechanically as desired. Silicone heating mats can withstand continuous temperatures up to 200 °C, and up to 180 °C with self-adhesive backing. They can also withstand higher temperatures up to 230 °C for short periods.
What temperatures a silicone heating mat Predicting the temperature at which it will be reached is difficult, as it depends on many factors. These include the type and mass of the item being heated, air currents, and the ambient temperature. This also raises the question:
At what temperature does silicone melt?
There are different Heat resistance levels Regarding silicone: Normal silicone can withstand temperatures from -50 °C to 300 °C without any problems. Heat-resistant silicones are also used in industry, which Temperatures up to 1.500 °C withstand it. Even if silicones difficult to ignite or melt Silicone, once ignited, burns to non-conductive ash. It does not melt due to high temperatures alone. Hardened residues and shapes can granulated and added as a filler to newly mixed silicone. Silicone as a material is recycled, but only as a composite material with the heating element difficult to separate.
Heating mats made of aramid fibers
The use of aramid nonwoven fabric is still unknown to many. Therefore, we would like to answer the following question:
What is aramid?
Aramid is an Word composition from aromatic polyamideAramid is a liquid crystal polymer and is predominantly processed in fiber form. It is divided into three main groups: meta-aramids, para-aramids, and para-aramid copolymers. All three groups are characterized by the fact that the aramid has a high heat resistance has or the fibers flame-resistant .
Aramid fibers are very demanding applications suitable and frequently used in the field due to their flame-retardant properties Firefighting industry (In the manufacture of firefighter clothing). Aramid is not only fireproof, the aramid fibers also possess a high tensile strength, which is why they are also frequently used for bulletproof vests (military and police) or for plating used by emergency vehicles.
A special property of aramid nonwoven fabric is its good heat insulationThe heating wire generates a very high heat output, which is insulated by the fleece. A major advantage is... High heat resistance of aramid: The very high heat output of the heating wire is insulated from the underside by the fleece. Furthermore, it is non-flammable. hardly inflammable and can be used for a temperature range up to 200°C.
In short: Aramid fleece heating mats are the Silicone heating mats very similar, however, they still have more advantagesFor example, aramid fibers have enormous tensile strength at a very light weightThey offer tremendous performance and very high protection, which is reflected in their exceptional resistance to impacts, cuts, and abrasion. We at Embro believe in the Aramid has extremely advantageous properties and manufacture exclusively heating mats made from aramid fibers.
3 disadvantages of silicone heating mats
High production costs
High weight
The defined material mix limits the use of the mat.
3 advantages of silicone heating mats
Flame retardant
Very good thermal insulation
High heat resistance
3 disadvantages of heating mats made of aramid fleece
Water/moisture absorption
Temperature stable up to 200°C
Moderate UV resistance
3 advantages of heating mats made of aramid fleece
High impact and tear resistance
Cut and bullet resistance
Low weight
We manufacture heating elements and technical textiles from aramid fibers and more.
Based on your individual specifications for the desired heating output, we will decide, which heating conductor best meets your requirements and thereby delivers the best result. Furthermore, the desired heat distribution plays a major role, as does the arrangement in which the heating wire is embroidered. For this purpose, we create a [plan/design/design] before implementation. CAD layout, which will only be released and translated by the CNC embroidery machines once you are satisfied with the design. From the Development to finished product with aramid fibers We accompany you throughout the entire process chain. With us, you're in good hands!
If you would like to learn more about this topic Heating elements and heating mats If you would like to learn more, you can find an overview of our products and services here.
We are manufacturers of electric heating elements and technical textiles.
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