Printable Thick Film Heaters: Essentials for Design, Material Selection, and Printing

Zach Kelly
Heraeus Electronics


Polymer thick film and cermet thick film heaters are emerging as the preferred thermal management solutions in various applications, from automotive to home and personal devices, due to their inherent reliability, versatility, and cost-effectiveness. This Masterclass will explore design considerations, material selection, and printing techniques essential for optimizing these printable heater technologies. In the first segment of the class, the principles of Joule heating will be examined and its impact on circuit design considerations will be discussed.
Additionally, the session will cover specific heater technologies, such as Positive Temperature Coefficient (PTC) heater paste, polymer heater thick film paste, and cermet thick film pastes, highlighting their unique design constraints and optimal printing conditions. Through this detailed examination of material composition, heater build-up, and innovative printing methods, participants will learn how to achieve excellent performance and reliability in various environments. This Masterclass aims to equip professionals with the knowledge to leverage these advanced materials for cutting-edge heating solutions.