Flexible Heater: An Overview
Flexible heaters are a type of heating element that can be
bent or molded to fit the contours of an object or surface. They are made from
materials such as silicone rubber, polyimide film, or woven fiberglass, and can
be customized to suit specific heating applications. Flexible heaters are used
in a wide range of industries, including medical, aerospace, automotive, and
electronics.
Advantages of
Flexible Heaters
- Flexibility: The primary advantage of flexible heaters is
their flexibility. They can be bent, twisted, or wrapped around objects or
surfaces, making them ideal for heating irregularly shaped items.
- Energy Efficiency: Flexible heaters are highly
energy-efficient, as they can be designed to heat only the required area or
surface. They also have a fast heat-up time, which reduces energy consumption
and saves time.
- Customizable: Flexible heaters can be customized to suit
specific heating requirements, such as temperature range, watt density, and
power supply. This makes them ideal for a wide range of applications.
- Durability: Flexible heaters are highly durable and can withstand
harsh environments, such as extreme temperatures, chemicals, and moisture.
Applications of
Flexible Heaters
- Medical: Flexible heaters are widely used in the medical
industry for applications such as warming blankets, incubators, and blood and
IV fluid warmers. They are also used in medical diagnostic equipment, such as
MRI and CT scanners.
- Aerospace: Flexible heaters are used in the aerospace
industry for de-icing and anti-icing applications. They are also used for
heating and temperature control in aircraft cabins and cargo holds.
- Automotive: Flexible heaters are used in the automotive
industry for applications such as defrosting windshields, warming car seats,
and engine oil heating.
- Electronics: Flexible heaters are used in the electronics
industry for applications such as LCD display heating, semiconductor
processing, and battery heating.
Flexible heaters are a versatile and highly customizable
heating solution that can be used in a wide range of industries and
applications. They offer advantages such as flexibility, energy efficiency,
customizability, and durability. With the ability to heat irregularly shaped
items and withstand harsh environments, flexible heaters are a valuable
addition to any heating system.
Market Dynamics of Flexible Heater Market
Drivers in Flexible
Heater Market
Market dynamics are the factors that affect the supply and
demand of a product or service in the market. The flexible heater market is
influenced by various drivers and restraints.
One of the main drivers of the flexible heater market is its
broad scope of applications in several industries, especially in aerospace and
automotive. Flexible heaters can be used in various application environments in
these industries, such as in fuel tanks/pipes, battery heaters, and fluid
delivery and control systems. They are also used in acquisition systems,
vehicle and vessel lighting, water systems, fuel cells, and missile systems.
The increasing infrastructural developments, as well as rising demand for
aircraft and automotive systems due to various technological developments, is
expected to further drive the flexible heater market in these industries during
the forecast period.
Restraints in
Flexible Heater Market
However, the requirement of extensive operational costs is
one of the main restraints for the flexible heater market. Flexible heaters
consume power during heating operation, making the cost of electricity a major
component of the overall operational cost of these heaters. Moreover, the cost
of electricity is rising, leading to higher operational costs of flexible
heaters. However, flexible heaters with improved energy efficiency offer a
significant advantage over less efficient legacy products. Adding a thermal
insulation layer to the flexible heater improves energy efficiency by
preventing heat transfer between the heater and ambient atmosphere surrounding
it. This results in at least 50% less power consumption for such flexible
heaters in operation.
In conclusion, while the broad scope of applications in
several industries, especially in aerospace and automotive, is driving the
flexible heater market, the requirement of extensive operational costs is one
of the main restraints. Nevertheless, flexible heaters with improved energy
efficiency offer a significant advantage over less efficient legacy products.
Opportunities in
Flexible Heater Market
Flexible heaters have emerged as a versatile heating
solution in various industries such as building and construction, oil &
gas, automotive, packaging, metals & mining, and chemical processing. These
heaters find their application in different areas such as pipe freeze
protection, hot water temperature maintenance, roof and gutter deicing, surface
snow melting, frost heave prevention, and fire protection system piping in the
building and construction industry. Similarly, the oil & gas industry
employs flexible heaters for offshore drilling, enhanced oil recovery, downhole
heating and steam-assisted gravity drainage, and hydraulic fracturing.
Challenges in
Flexible Heater Market
The growth of these industries is anticipated to boost the
demand for flexible heaters in the forecasted period. The demand for flexible
heaters is not limited to these industries; electronic devices such as coffee
makers, wax melters, and freezers also use flexible heaters. The medical sector
is expected to expand at the fastest rate during the projected period due to
the growing usage of these heaters in various medical equipment and diagnostic
tools. Furthermore, these heaters find their application in aerospace and
defense equipment.
However, the employment of flexible heaters in rugged
environments poses a significant challenge for manufacturers. While the oil
& gas industry demands rugged and harsh-resistant heaters, the healthcare
industry requires accurate and reliable results from medical devices.
Therefore, the manufacturers need to develop flexible heaters that cater to the
requirements of different industries. The ideal flexible heater should be
rugged, reliable, accurate, and moisture and chemical resistant, which can
sustain in different industrial environments.
The silicone-rubber based segment is anticipated to hold the
largest market share in the flexible heater market in 2021. This particular
type of flexible heater accounted for the highest share in the overall market
in the same year, and is also expected to grow at a rapid pace during the
forecast period. One of the main reasons for this growth is the increasing
demand for semiconductor systems, such as IC test handling equipment, plasma
etch systems, photo-resist track systems, and probing stations, which use
silicone rubber-based flexible heaters. Additionally, silicone rubber-based
heaters are also used in various electronics appliances, including coffee
makers, refrigeration equipment, and wax makers. Due to their high flexibility,
faster warm-ups, improved heat transfers, and decreased wattage requirements,
the demand for silicone rubber-based heaters is expected to witness exponential
growth, particularly in the electronics & semiconductor and medical
industries.
Furthermore, the electronics & semiconductor segment is
expected to account for the largest market share and experience a higher CAGR
during the forecast period. In the electronics & semiconductor industry,
flexible heaters are crucial for semiconductor manufacturing equipment, where
heat is a critical factor in the processing and testing of semiconductors. In
addition, flexible heaters are also used in general indoor and outdoor
electronics, including coffee makers, wax makers, vending machines, ATM
machines, LCD screens, computer memory, 3D printing, copy machines, guidance
systems, surveillance & security systems, outdoor antennas, electrical
instrumentation, handheld scanners, and electronics printing systems. The
telecommunications industry also relies on flexible heaters to maintain optimal
operations of electronics, fiber optics, and amplifiers in above or
below-ground enclosures for over 15 years. All of these applications are
expected to fuel the growth of the flexible heater market in the electronics
& semiconductor industry.
During the forecast period, the flexible heater market in
Asia Pacific is expected to grow at the highest CAGR. The region is likely to
contribute significantly to the flexible heater market due to rapid industrialization
and infrastructure developments. The growth of the electronics and automotive
industries in China is expected to increase the demand for flexible heaters in
the region. Additionally, the lower operating costs in countries such as India
and China and the economic growth of the region are expected to drive the
demand for flexible heaters in Asia Pacific. The surging demand for electronics
and automotive due to EVs and HEVs as well as other industrial activities in
the region will also drive a huge demand for the flexible heater market in Asia
Pacific.
The need for flexible heaters is fueled by the rise in
portable electronic battery-operated equipment, where the durability of the
heating element is critical. Furthermore, technologically developed features,
flexible formation of heaters, and increasing adoption of flexible heaters in
healthcare and medical applications are also driving the growth of the flexible
heater market. However, the higher operational costs of flexible heaters and
their inability to function in extreme temperatures are limiting the market's
growth.
Despite the limitations, the flexible heater market is
anticipated to increase steadily, with rising demand from the electronics and
semiconductor industry providing opportunities for growth. The swift growth in
demand in response to the wide range of functions, along with the growing
accommodation of the heater in medical implementation, is having a positive
impact on the growth of the flexible heater market. Moreover, the inventions in
technology launches regarding newly advanced products and flexible form factor
are propelling the growth of the flexible heater market.
Silicone rubber-based flexible heaters have witnessed
substantial growth in 2021, holding the biggest market share as compared to
their counterparts. These heaters find their application in various electronic
appliances, including coffee makers, refrigerators, and wax makers, as well as
semiconductor systems such as IC test material handling, plasma etch systems,
photo-resist track systems, and probing stations. The demand for silicone
rubber-based heaters is expected to increase during the projected period due to
their flexibility, quicker warm-ups, improved heat transfers, and lower wattage
requirements. The trend for these heaters has been increasing exponentially,
primarily in the electronics, semiconductors, and medical industries.
Key Players in Flexible Heater Market
- HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL
- NIBE INDUSTRIER
- OMEGA ENGINEERING
- WATLOW ELECTRIC MANUFACTURING
- SMITHS GROUP
- ALL FLEX FLEXIBLE CIRCUITS
- CHROMALOX
- MINCO
- ROGERS CORPORATION
- ZOPPAS INDUSTRIES
- BIRK MANUFACTURING INC
- BUCAN
- DELTA/ACRA
- DUREX INDUSTRIES
- EPEC ENGINEERED TECHNOLOGIES
- HOLROYD COMPONENTS
- HOTSET
- KLC CORPORATION
- MIYO TECHNOLOGY
- NATIONAL PLASTIC HEATER
- NEL TECHNOLOGIES
- SINOMAS
- TEMPCO ELECTRIC HEATER
- THERMO HEATING ELEMENTS
- THERMOCOAX
Recent Developments in Flexible Heater Market
The flexible heater market has witnessed recent developments
that are worth noting. In October 2021, Rogers Corporation acquired Silicone
Engineering Ltd, a renowned manufacturer of silicone material solutions used in
industrial heaters, medical applications, and other markets. The acquisition of
Silicone Engineering will enable Rogers to establish a center of excellence to
provide customers with high-quality silicone solutions.
In February 2020, Elektrotermija, a company specializing in
the development and manufacture of energy-efficient indoor comfort solutions,
was acquired by Backer AB, a member of the NIBE group. Elektrotermija produces
electric heaters and devices from its base in Serbia, and this acquisition will
enhance the company's position in the flexible heater market.
Furthermore, in August 2020, All Flex Flexible Circuits Inc
introduced etched foil heater solutions to cater to the need for higher wattage
heaters beyond traditional options such as Kapton, polyimide, or silicone
rubber in medical diagnostic applications. The etched foil heaters launched by
All Flex offer an effective solution to this requirement.
These recent developments in the flexible heater market
demonstrate the continuous efforts by companies to improve their offerings and
provide innovative solutions to meet the needs of customers in various
industries.
The flexible heater market has seen several recent
developments in terms of technology advancements and new product launches. One
of the significant developments in the market is the introduction of flexible
heaters with improved energy efficiency, which offers a significant advantage
over less efficient legacy products. These new heaters have a thermal
insulation layer that prevents heat transfer between the heater and ambient
atmosphere surrounding it. This insulation layer significantly reduces heat
loss and power consumption during operation by up to 50%.
Another development in the flexible heater market is the
increasing use of these heaters in the healthcare and medical industry.
Flexible heaters are now being used in various medical devices such as
temperature controllers, warmers, and blankets for patients. The growing demand
for these devices is driving the growth of the flexible heater market in the
healthcare sector.
Furthermore, the trend towards electric and hybrid vehicles
(EVs and HEVs) is driving the growth of the flexible heater market in the
automotive industry. Flexible heaters are being used in battery warmers,
steering wheels, under-floor heating, and other applications in electric and
hybrid vehicles. The demand for flexible heaters in this industry is expected
to rise further in the coming years due to the increasing adoption of EVs and
HEVs.
In addition, the flexible heater market is witnessing an
increasing demand for customized products to meet the specific needs of various
end-users. Manufacturers are focusing on developing flexible heaters that are
tailor-made to the specific requirements of different applications, industries,
and environments.
Overall, the flexible heater market is expected to grow
significantly in the coming years due to these recent developments and the
increasing demand for these heaters in various industries such as aerospace,
automotive, healthcare, and more.
1.
Research Sources
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detailed and related research methodology focussed on estimating the market
size and forecasted value for the given market. Comprehensive research
objectives and scope were obtained through secondary research of the parent and
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segments and sub-segments.
Research Methodology

1.1. Secondary Research
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1.3. Data Triangulation
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