There are various pieces of equipment used in medicine that require flexible heaters. The machines used in respiratory therapy are slightly different and may require custom heaters to fit in the tiny spaces between the equipment’s construction.
Hence, flexible film heaters come in various design types and applications and can be used depending on the use of the machine. Each custom heater varies in material, heat-up speed, resistance, design, and feature.
In this guide, we will learn about the different kinds of flexible heaters and how they’re used in respiratory therapy.
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These are screen-printed or chemically etched coils or plates with wires at the ends. These plates can be bent or adjusted to fit any surface for heating.
Flexible heaters come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and materials. Each kind has different abilities and performance parameters due to the material.
Since these can be bonded or adhered to any surface and provide various temperatures, these custom film heaters prove to be beneficial in various industrial, military, commercial, and medical uses.
Every heater made from a different material changes its nature of use. When flexible heaters are required in large sizes or large quantities, foil heaters are used. Silicon rubber flexible heaters, on the other hand, are preferred when flexibility is critical.
Different kinds of flexible heaters can be used for a wide range of temperatures and vacuum applications that work well in harsh environments.
These are wire-wound or etched circuits inserted in fiberglass-reinforced silicone rubber. Due to its material and shape, it provides efficient heat transfer and dimensional stability using its flexibility.
It may resemble the etched foil design, but it provides better wear resistance due to silicone rubber, silicone, and aluminum. As a result, it is widely used in wet environments.
These are polyimide plates that come with tear-resistance and dimension stability. They are incredibly lightweight polymer films used for various heater applications.
Kapton heating plates have been used in flexible PCBs for their heating application. They ensure low outgassing in vacuum spaces with resistance to fungus, radiation, and other environmental factors.
They deploy photo-imaging technology, which is etched with foil and has an excellent circuit pattern that ensures superior heat at low production costs.
These are designed to fit economically suitable applications. These plates are wire-wrapped or etched in foil. Due to their convenient and economical design, they are used in various industries.
They are one-piece heaters assembled with wire laminated between two aluminum sheets. They can withstand temperatures of up to 300 degrees Fahrenheit. Due to their flexibility to fit all kinds of applications and low cost, medical heaters are widely used.
Patients with respiratory disorders, pulmonary issues, or lung care require respiratory therapy. The therapy includes breathing exercises, a breathing assessment, and constant monitoring.
If a patient has low oxygen levels or struggles with respiration, they may improve their quality of life by using respiratory therapy. Patients with asthma, pulmonary fibrosis, emphysema, bronchitis, and other chronic lung diseases require constant respiratory care.
There are a few types of respiratory care management:
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Since heaters are thin and can bend into any shape, they can fit in various medical equipment. Due to their high heat resistance, uniform heat distribution, and fast heat-up and cool-down times, they are used as custom heaters for manufacturing.
There are some medical devices used in respiratory therapy that require custom heaters:
Etched foil circuits or wire-wound laminates are commonly used in layers of silicone rubber or fiberglass-reinforced plates.
There are several types, such as rubber heaters, Kapton heaters, flame heaters, and radiator heaters.
Silicon or rubber heaters are widely used elements in respiratory and other medical equipment due to their lightweight and flexibility.
These are etched foil or wire-wound motor heaters or strips. It is best to avoid moisture buildup in medical equipment.
Flexible or custom heaters are extremely safe and are widely used in many critical pieces of equipment used in patient care.
Medical equipment has so many elements in its construction. One of the important elements is flexible or custom heaters. They come in various sizes, constructions, and features, allowing the manufacturer to utilize what works for the particular medical equipment.
Respiratory diseases such as pulmonary disease, asthma, bronchitis, influenza, and lung care require respiratory therapy.
These therapies can go on for long periods, while some may end in a short time. But some equipment required in respiratory therapy is constructed with custom heaters. These devices help manage respiratory diseases at home, in hospitals, and care centers.
Due to the shape and flexibility of custom heaters, they can be used in variously shaped equipment. Flexible heaters are not only safe, but they also add value to patient care.
