Heating elements are crucial components in many industrial and scientific applications.
They are typically made from materials with high resistivity, high melting points, low temperature coefficients, and resistance to oxidation.
Let's explore the five key materials commonly used as heating elements.
What are the common materials used as heating elements? 5 Key Materials Explained
1. Metals
Metals are often used as heating elements.
These metals are usually alloys, with iron-chrome aluminum and nickel chrome being popular choices.
These alloys are chosen for their high resistance to oxidation and ability to withstand high temperatures.
For example, nickel-chromium (Nichrome) alloys are widely used because they can resist oxidation up to 1,150°C and maintain sufficient strength.
Ni-Cr-Fe alloys, which are more economical, are recommended for use up to 950°C.
Other alloys containing iron, chromium, cobalt, and aluminum can withstand temperatures as high as 1,350°C.
2. Graphite
Graphite is another material commonly used in heating elements, especially in vacuum furnaces.
It is valued for its high temperature resistance, small thermal expansion, and strong thermal shock resistance.
Graphite's mechanical strength improves with temperature, peaking around 1700°C.
It is also known for its good machinability, large radiation area, and resistance to thermal shock.
However, it is volatile at high temperatures and requires protection from vacuum discharge.
3. Silicon Carbide
Silicon carbide is a semi-metallic material often classified as a ceramic.
It is used in heating elements due to its ability to bond and decompose at high temperatures.
However, it requires careful handling as it can soften at temperatures around 1300°C.
Silicon carbide is particularly useful in environments where purification effects are needed.
It reacts with oxygen and water vapor in the residual gas of vacuum furnaces, simplifying the vacuum system and reducing costs.
4. Iron-Chrome Aluminum Alloys
Iron-chrome aluminum alloys are known for their excellent resistance to oxidation and high-temperature strength.
These alloys are often used in applications where long-term stability at high temperatures is required.
They are particularly useful in industrial furnaces and heating elements that operate in harsh environments.
5. Nickel-Chromium Alloys
Nickel-chromium alloys, such as Nichrome, are widely used due to their high resistance to oxidation and ability to maintain strength at high temperatures.
These alloys are ideal for applications that require consistent performance under extreme conditions.
They are commonly used in heating elements for industrial furnaces, ovens, and other high-temperature applications.
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