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PTC Heaters – Printed Positive Temperature Coefficient Heating Technology

Printed PTC heaters (Positive Temperature Coefficient heaters) are an advanced class of self-regulating heating elements designed for electronics, automotive, medical, industrial, and consumer applications. Unlike fixed resistance heaters, PTC heaters automatically stabilize their temperature, offering exceptional safety, long lifespan, and energy efficiency.

ICAPE Group, through its French subsidiary CIPEM IHM, designs and manufactures printed PTC heaters using proprietary processes. With a dedicated factory in France and worldwide engineering support, ICAPE delivers customizable, high-quality PTC heating solutions that meet the most demanding industry standards.

What is a Printed PTC Heater?

A printed PTC heater is a thin-film heating solution manufactured using conductive inks on substrates such as polyester, Kapton, glass, or metal. Unlike traditional heaters that require thermostats, PTC heaters use PTC inks containing wax micro-particles:

• At low temperatures, resistance is low → fast heating.
• As the wax particles expand with rising temperature, they separate carbon particles → resistance increases.
• The heater then reaches a self-regulated equilibrium point, avoiding overheating.

Available temperature ranges:

• PTC 60°C → stabilizes between 55–60°C
• PTC 90°C → stabilizes between 85–90°C (available 2026)
• PTC 110°C → stabilizes between 105–110°C (available 2026)
• Future development: PTC 40°C inks for low-temperature heating applications

This makes PTC heaters ideal for precision, reliability, and safety in modern electronics.

Types of PTC Heaters

PTC Ceramic Heating Elements

core heating chips used in many devices

PTC Air Heaters

direct heating for enclosures or appliances

PTC Fan Heaters

combine PTC elements with fans to circulate warm air

PTC Surface-Mount Heaters (SMD)

compact modules for PCBs and electronics

PTC Plate & Tubular Heaters

durable designs for industrial and automotive use

Each type can be customized by voltage (12V, 24V, 48V, 110V, 230V), temperature, and form factor.

Advantages of Printed PTC Heaters

Compared to classical fixed resistance heaters, printed PTC heaters deliver clear advantages:

• Self-regulating temperature – no sensor or driver circuit required
• Compact & flexible design – manufactured in various shapes (square, circle, rectangle)
• Custom voltages available – 5V, 9V, 12V, 24V, 30V (these voltages are used for catalog parts. For a custom project, for example 28V, contact our team)
• Multiple power rating options with optimized efficiency
• Safer integration – automatic stabilization prevents overheating
• Improved reliability – tolerance of ±10% resistance (vs ±20% for competitors)
• Long service life – thin-film durability and stable thermal cycling

Design & Construction of Printed PTC Heaters

A typical printed PTC heater consists of:

• Silver busbars ensure reliable current flow
• Silver conductive tracks distribute current evenly
• Carbon PTC cell the active heating zone with self-regulating properties

These heaters are designed according to AFNOR SPEC 2212 standards and aligned with the 2023 flexible PCB norms, ensuring compatibility with high-reliability electronic assemblies.

Applications of Printed PTC Heaters

Thanks to their thin, lightweight, and customizable design, printed PTC heaters are used in a wide variety of industries:

• Automotive – EV battery heating, seat warmers, mirror defogging
• Medical & Healthcare – patient monitoring equipment, portable medical devices
• Industrial – enclosure heating, condensation prevention, sensors
• Consumer Electronics – wearables, smartphones, household appliances
• Marine & Aerospace – equipment protection in harsh environment
• Food & Beverage – temperature stabilization in portable devices

ICAPE Group & IHM: Expertise in PTC Heater Manufacturing

ICAPE Group owns a dedicated factory in France (Cipem IHM) for PTC Heaters. When it comes to PTC heaters for industrial and electronic applications, ICAPE Group stands out as a g