There are mainly two different production processes for silicone heaters: wire-wound and etched foil, and the different production processes have different characteristics.
Silicone heater process - wire-wound type
Wire-wound silicone heaters are made of thin, spaced-out resistance wires wrapped around a fiberglass support and are suitable for unusually shaped heating pads. They are durable, making them suitable for heaters that frequently need to be removed or reinstalled. They can be manufactured quickly and inexpensively without tools, making them ideal for small batch projects and prototypes
Silicone Heater Pad Process - Etched Foil Type
Etched foil pads use a chemically etched foil. They heat up faster, have higher power density and better heat transfer; they heat more uniformly and last longer. However, they are more susceptible to damage from repeated bending. They require pre-determined tooling costs, but have a more highly automated manufacturing process, which makes them more cost-effective for high-volume projects.
