Delivering a streamlined alternative to conventional copper wire and printed carbon materials, Henkel has developed a portfolio of novel positive temperature coefficient (PTC) printable inks that provide exceptional functionality and design flexibility for a variety of heating applications.
Available in three formulations, the Loctite ECI 8000 series PTC inks offer more uniform and flexible heating, while providing improved safety through temperature self-regulation.
Leveraging resistance technology that increases with the elevation in temperature, Loctite ECI 8000 materials are self-regulating so that the temperature will not rise above its set point. This is contrary to conventional heating methods, where a linear relationship between heating and voltage requires the use of a control unit for temperature regulation and a fuse to prevent overheating.
Other benefits of the Henkel PTC inks are rapid and uniform heating, reduced weight, sustainability due to long life-cycles, and environmental stability.
In addition to the PTC inks, Henkel has also recently formulated a new highly-conductive, flexible silver ink that provides nearly twice the conductivity of previous-generation products.
The novel material, Loctite ECI 1010, extends new levels of performance for products such as heaters, antennae, keyboards or any application where optimum conductivity is required.
Whereas traditional flexible silver inks have a resistance level of 0.010 Ohm/sq/25µm, Loctite ECI 1010 delivers much lower resistance of 0.005 Ohm/sq/25µm, providing twice the conductivity. From a design perspective, this enables the printing of finer lines that still have the necessary current capacity.
For manufacturers that require even greater conductive capability in a slightly less flexible material, Henkel has developed Loctite ECI 1011, which provides a resistance level of 0.003 Ohm/sq/25µm.