Basic Knowledge of Electric Heater

Heating elements are materials or devices that convert electrical energy directly into thermal energy. They generate heat through the friction generated by the current in the material based on the principle of Joule heating. The main types include nickel-chromium alloy, iron-chromium-aluminum alloy, molybdenum disilicide, silicon carbide, molybdenum, tungsten and tantalum. These materials are resistant to high-temperature oxidation in different temperature ranges and are suitable for various high-temperature applications.

Nickel-chromium alloys are widely used due to their high ductility, high resistivity and oxidation resistance, and are suitable for high temperatures of about 1100 to 1200°C.

Iron-chromium-aluminum alloys can produce higher temperatures due to their flexibility and low weight, and are suitable for high-temperature furnace applications of about 1300 to 1400°C. Molybdenum disilicide heating elements are resistant to high temperatures and corrosion, and are suitable for high-temperature furnace applications of 1900°C.

Silicon carbide heating elements are suitable for extremely high operating temperatures, have high rigidity and low thermal expansion coefficient, and can reach heating temperatures of 1600 to 1700°C.

Graphite is often used in vacuum furnace applications due to its thermal conductivity and resistance to thermal shock.

Molybdenum, tungsten and tantalum are refractory metals with similar properties to graphite, but are more expensive and suitable for high-temperature applications under vacuum conditions.

Positive temperature coefficient (PTC) materials such as PTC rubber have unique self-temperature control properties and are suitable for industries such as clothing and medical equipment that require intelligent temperature control.