Silicone rubber heating elements Surface heaters are perfect for multiple industrial applications where there is a need for precise heating. The Kuhlmann El-varme makes heating elements out of silicone rubber, which is suitable for this reason due to its tolerance to high temperatures and its superior electrical insulating properties. These heating mats are made by laminating the evenly spaced resistance wires between two sheets of silicone rubber that is reinforced with fibreglass, which improves the overall mechanical strength. Fine resistance wires are accurately positioned over areas of almost all sizes and shapes. The close and evenly spaced wires allows for a uniform distribution of the heat over the complete working area. The maximum continuous operating temperature for the silicone rubber heater mat is 200C although 230ºC still falls in the margin of safety for short durations. As silicone rubber heating mats are both thin and light, they have a low thermal mass which allows them to heat up quickly.