On March 21, 2019, Rogers Corporation (NYSE: ROG) introduced ARLON® waterproof substrates for flexible ("flex") heater applications. The new substrate is mainly used to improve the performance and reliability of etched foil and wire wound flexible heaters, especially those that work in high humidity or underwater environments, and can generally meet the broad needs of various industries.
Unlike glass fibers commonly used in flexible heater substrates, Rogers ’new ARLON® 34C36 waterproof substrate combines high-performance silicone with Rogers’ own DeWAL® polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) membrane. Because PTFE is hydrophobic and does not absorb moisture, the new substrate can still maintain robust and durable performance in humid environments. Glass fibers are hydrophobic and absorb moisture, so moisture can penetrate the heater through the exposed fibers. Flexible heaters made of the new ARLON substrate perform better in humid environments, but there may also be problems with insufficient heating and mechanical failure.
The ARLON 34C36 waterproof flexible heater substrate uses uncured silicone on one side of the PTFE film and cured silicone on the other side. This product is available in two thicknesses, 20 mil (0.508 mm) and 30 mil (0.762 mm). Like all ARLON flexible heater substrates, this new substrate has obtained Underwriters Laboratory (UL) 220oC (428 ° F) relative thermal index (RTI) for horizontally insulated flexible heaters, and a horizontal combustion flammability rating (UL94 HB ) And vertical flame retardant (UL94 V-0) certification.
Rogers offers a full range of ARLON silicone rubber / fiberglass flexible heater substrates. These composites work reliably under most environmental conditions and have a long service life. In addition, ARLON products can be pre-bonded with resistance foils such as Alloy 600 or stainless steel, eliminating the need for flexible heater manufacturers' initial bonding steps. The use of pre-bonded resistive foils also allows flexible heater manufacturers to continuously process materials in a roll-to-roll rather than piece-to-piece form, thereby reducing costs.