Heater Pads

Heater pads, also known as heat mats or electric heating mats, are versatile devices used to provide localised heating in various industrial and commercial applications. These thin, flexible heating elements offer efficient and controlled heat transfer to surfaces, making them ideal for maintaining optimal temperatures in equipment, processes, and environments. RS Australia offers a wide range of heater pads and heat mats in various sizes, materials, and power ratings to meet your specific needs.

What are Heat Mats?

Heat mats are flexible electric heating elements designed to provide controlled and uniform heat to surfaces. They are commonly used in industrial environments to maintain optimal temperatures for processes, prevent condensation, or heat-specific areas. Heat mats are particularly useful in applications where it is difficult to heat from the inside, such as curved surfaces or irregularly shaped objects. They offer several advantages over traditional heating methods:

Flexibility: Heat mats can conform to various shapes and contours, making them suitable for heating uneven surfaces.
Efficiency: They provide direct heat transfer to the target area, minimising energy waste and ensuring efficient heating.
Easy Installation: Heat mats are typically easy to install and can be adhered to surfaces using adhesives or mechanical fasteners.
Durability: Constructed from robust materials, heat mats can withstand demanding industrial environments and provide long-lasting performance.

Heat mats are available in various sizes, ranging from small heater pads for localised heating to large heat mats for covering broader areas. Some heat mats are also designed to be waterproof, making them suitable for use in wet or humid environments.

The main types of heat mats include silicone heaters and micathermic heating pads, each with its own unique characteristics and applications.

Silicone Heat Mats

Silicone heat mats are flexible heating devices made from silicone rubber, a durable and versatile material that can withstand a wide range of temperatures. These mats consist of heating elements, such as wires or etched foils, embedded between layers of silicone rubber. This construction allows for efficient heat transfer and even heat distribution across the mat’s surface.

Silicone heat mats are known for their flexibility, durability, and resistance to moisture and chemicals. They can be easily cut and shaped to fit specific applications, making them a versatile heating solution for various industries.

Types of Silicone Heat Mats

Wire Wound Silicone Heat Mats

These mats feature a wire heating element embedded within the silicone rubber. They are robust and ideal for applications where the heater may be frequently installed or removed, such as industrial catering units, aircraft, and laboratory equipment.

Etched Foil Silicone Heat Mats

These mats utilise chemically etched foil heating elements for precise and even heat distribution. They offer excellent temperature accuracy and are often used in applications requiring precise temperature control, such as medical devices and scientific instruments.

Applications of Silicone Heat Mats

Laboratory Equipment: Maintaining precise temperatures for experiments and scientific processes.
Anti-Condensation Heating: Preventing condensation build-up in enclosures and electronic equipment.
GRP Pipe Curing Systems: Providing uniform heat for curing composite materials.
Satellite Dish Snow Melting: Preventing snow and ice accumulation on satellite dishes.
Industrial Ovens and Heating Chambers: Providing uniform and controlled heating in industrial ovens and chambers.

Micathermic Space Heaters

Micathermic heater pads, also known as micathermic space heaters, are designed for localised heating of small areas to a very high temperature. These heaters utilise thin sheets of mica, a naturally occurring mineral with excellent thermal conductivity and electrical insulation properties. The mica sheets are typically coated with a resistive material that generates heat when an electric current is passed through it.

Micathermic heater pads are known for their ability to withstand extremely high temperatures, making them suitable for demanding applications such as industrial heating processes and electrical appliances. They offer rapid heating and precise temperature control, making them ideal for applications requiring localised and intense heat.

Types of Micathermic Heat Mats

Flat Design Micathermic Heat Mats

These mats have a thin and flat profile, making them suitable for applications where space is limited. They are commonly used for heating flat surfaces or for fitting between two metal surfaces where one or both require heating.

Band Design Micathermic Heat Mats

These mats are encased in a brass casing, providing added durability and protection. They are typically used in dies, platens, moulds, and process machinery where high temperatures and mechanical stress are present.

Applications of Micathermic Heat Mats

Air Heaters: Providing rapid and efficient heating in air heating systems.
Enclosure Systems: Maintaining optimal temperatures within enclosures to prevent condensation or protect sensitive components.
Food Service Equipment: Heating food preparation surfaces and keeping food warm.
Process & Packaging Equipment: Providing localised heat for sealing, curing, or other industrial processes.

Industrial Applications of Heater Mat/Pad

Heater mats and pads are essential for various industrial sectors, providing efficient heating solutions.

Discrete Manufacturing

In discrete manufacturing, heater mats and pads maintain optimal temperatures in machinery and equipment. They heat adhesives and sealants for bonding and assembly processes. They also cure composite materials and resins, and prevent condensation in electrical enclosures.

Process Manufacturing

Heater mats and pads maintain temperatures in tanks, vessels, and pipelines for process manufacturing. They heat viscous liquids to improve flow and prevent freezing in pipes and tanks. They also provide controlled heating for curing and drying processes.

Energy & Utilities

Heater mats and pads offer freeze protection for pipes and equipment in the energy and utilities sector. They maintain optimal temperatures in renewable energy systems and heat critical components in power generation equipment.

Facilities & Intralogistics

In facilities and intralogistics, heater mats and pads provide space heating in warehouses and storage facilities. They also offer anti-condensation heating in HVAC systems and maintain temperatures in cold storage units.

How to Select the Right Heater Mat

Choosing the appropriate heater mat for your application requires careful consideration of several key factors.

Size and Shape

Consider the dimensions and shape of the area you need to heat. Heater mats come in various sizes and shapes, from small pads to large mats. Choose a size that adequately covers the target area without excessive overlap or gaps.

Temperature Requirements

Determine the desired temperature range for your application. Different heater mats have different temperature capabilities. Select a mat that can safely and reliably achieve the required temperature.

Voltage and Wattage

Heater mats operate at various voltages and wattages. Ensure the mat's voltage rating matches your power supply. The wattage determines the heat output, so choose a mat with sufficient wattage to meet your heating needs.

Material and Construction

Heater mats are made from different materials, such as silicone rubber or mica. Consider the material's properties, including temperature resistance, flexibility, and chemical compatibility, to ensure it suits your application.

Mounting and Installation

Evaluate the mounting and installation requirements of the heater mat. Some mats have adhesive backings for easy attachment, while others require mechanical fasteners. Choose a mat with a mounting method that is compatible with your application and surface.

Environmental Considerations

Consider the environmental conditions in which the heater mat will be used. If the application involves exposure to moisture, chemicals, or extreme temperatures, choose a mat with appropriate protection and durability.

Trusted Electric Heating Mats Manufacturer, Supplier & Distributor in Australia

RS is your trusted source for high-quality heater mats and heater pads in Australia. We stock an extensive range of process control items from manufacturers like Siemens and Omron, as well as our own RS PRO line. Our selection includes various types and sizes of heat mats, including silicone heat mats and micathermic space heaters, at competitive prices, ensuring you find the perfect solution for your application.

We also carry other essential heating and temperature control components, such as thermocouples and temperature controllers, to provide comprehensive solutions for your thermal management needs. Buy heat mats online today and explore our wide range of heating solutions.

Buy Heat Mat Online from RS

We provide dependable delivery across Australia, with options for next-day delivery on eligible orders. For approved business account customers, delivery is free on all orders over $40. We also welcome offline orders via telephone, email, or fax. For these orders, business account customers with a valid ABN enjoy free delivery on all orders over $80. Convenient self-collection from our Sydney branch is also available.

For more details, please refer to our Delivery Page.