Kapton Heaters

Kapton Heater

Kapton heaters are ultra-thin, ultra-flexible, semitransparent, lightweight heaters. They derive their name from Kapton, the polyimide film developed by Du Pont that is utilized to encapsulate the heating circuit of these heaters. Kapton heaters can operate within temperatures as low as -320°F and as high as 400°F, and have superior dielectric properties. Kapton heaters exhibit excellent tensile strength, durability, and dimensional stability. These heaters produce uniform heat with rapid heat-up and cool-down characteristics. Kapton heaters can endure radiation, resist many chemicals, and because they are very low in outgassing, they are ideal for vacuum applications. The heating elements of Kapton heaters are produced by chemically etching a resistive circuit in nickel alloy foils. This circuit is encapsulated between two layers of Kapton films utilizing either a Teflon® FEP adhesive or acrylic adhesive. These two adhesives define the thermal characteristics and the cost of Kapton heaters produced.

Kapton heaters can accommodate holes and cut-outs; they can be built with different electrical terminations, heat sensors and can be bonded to application surfaces with different bonding methods.

Kapton Heaters Kapton FEP/Adhesive Kapton/Acrylic Adhesive (Pyralux®)
Max size 12" x 24" 12"x30"
Thickness 0.007"-0.010" 0.007"-0.010"
Max temp 390°F 3000F
Max voltage 240 VAC 240VAC
Watt density Up to 30 W/in² * up to 30W/in2 *

*Depending on application temperature and bonding method.


Kapton Heaters Electrical Terminations
Kapton Heaters Kapton Heaters Attachment Methods and Temperature Sensors


Temperature Sensors and Thermostats

Kapton heaters can accommodate thermostats, thermal cut-offs, thermal fuses, external "J" type thermocouples and RTDs. Each of these temperature sensing and controlling devices has a specific temperature range and maximum amperage capability; contact us for their availability.

Kapton Heater

Lead Wires
Kapton heaters can have Teflon, Silicone or Kapton insulated stranded lead wires that are attached to the weld tab of the resistive circuit. The attachments are covered with high temperature epoxy. The gauge and amps of the lead wires are as follows:

Gauge Amps
30 2
26 4
24 6
20 12


Attachment Methods

  • The most common method to attach a Kapton heater to the surface of an application is through pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA), which is adequate for 250°F continuous (days, weeks) and 350°F intermittent (minutes, hours) operations.

  • Kapton heaters could be clamped between surfaces.

  • Self-fusing tape could be utilized to attach Kapton heaters to cylindrical surfaces by wrapping self-fusing tape around the Kapton heater.