Isopad, a specialist provider of customised heating solutions for industry, has developed radiant heating platens which offer manufacturers of thin-film photovoltaic cells the opportunity to make significantly larger cells - and lower the cost per watt of energy generated.

The solution has been achieved by embedding its mineral insulated (MI) heating cable into the panels onto which the substrate is positioned. These deliver reliable and uniform heat under vacuum for deposition and lamination processes.

This product is proving highly successful and platens of more than 4 m2 (43 ft2) - the largest in the industry - have already gone into service with major manufacturers of PECVD and lamination equipment.

Using quality design and materials, Isopad provides durable, high-quality heating solutions, with a long operating life and in a wide range of power densities. In addition to radiant panels, Isopad also offers the vacuum process industry special silicone jackets for gas lines and filters.

Isopad is a leading brand of Tyco Thermal Controls for industrial electric heating solutions up to 1000˚C. It has a full range of technologies and engineering expertise to fulfil specific heating requirements for any profiles or conditions.

Isopad