Printed Positive Temperature Coefficient (PTC) Heaters Let You Do More With Less

A form of printed electronics, a positive temperature coefficient heater is a flexible, printed heater that uses PTC ink. The ink itself generates heat, acting as self-regulating heating elements, as opposed to the wires and coils used in traditional heating technology, such as a convection heater, and the specialized formula of the ink gives rise to a unique self-regulating characteristic.

The magic happens the moment the inks are applied to polymer-based substrates or surfaces that are both flexible and durable, the combination of which results in these surfaces becoming smart and self-sustaining.

PTC technology is smart in that it requires no external controller mechanism. Heat output is self-generated and self-regulated. They adapt to the ambient temperature and act as their own sensors. With smarter fail-safe mechanisms than traditional heating sources, PTC heating elements offer improved safety and less likelihood of overheating. They are also less bulky than traditional heating systems, and more energy efficient.

The difference is found in the way a PTC heater generates heat when activated, and for how long. A PTC heating element offers a much more uniform temperature over time, and is able to optimize its energy output to achieve the correct heat, as informed from both its initial design and from the ambient environment it is placed in.

Physically, finished PTC heaters are thin, lightweight, and flexible, allowing them to be embedded ergonomically into small spaces. The simplicity of their minimalistic parts design allows for compact finishing in all kinds of environments. Having fewer components and a solid-state design ensures that durability is never compromised. These electronics maintain their quality even at high repetition and are guaranteed for long-term use. PTC heaters do more, with less.