The heater is a key component of electric furnaces that plays a decisive role in their efficiency and reliability. Specialized alloys, such as nichrome and fechral, are widely used to ensure high performance and durability of heating systems. These materials meet the strict requirements for use.
The following characteristics are important for electric furnace heaters:
The use of precise alloys, such as nichrome and fechral, in heating elements ensures that these criteria are met and ensures the efficient and durable operation of electric furnaces.
When choosing one of these two alloys, it is necessary to take into account various physical properties, strength, oxidation resistance, the shape of the parts manufactured and, of course, price parameters. Let's take a closer look at these materials and find out which one is better suited to specific operating conditions.
A common feature for nichrome and fechral is their high resistivity. The nominal electrical resistance of a fecral depends on its marking, and nichrome depends on the diameter of the heating element. It should be noted that fechral has a higher melting point (1500°C) than nichrome (1400°C) and has a lower specific gravity.
During heating, a thin protective film forms on the surface of nichrome, which increases the alloy's resistance under aggressive conditions. Fehral has a higher oxidizability due to its high iron content, which makes it difficult to use thin wires and tapes made from this material. In electric furnaces, when oxygen pressure increases, the oxidation rate of nichrome increases, while fechral shows higher stability in carbon and sulfur-containing furnaces.
FeCral is suitable for high-temperature loads and is able to operate in such conditions for a long time. Nichrome is better suited for frequent switching on and off, but fails more quickly when heated for a long time.
Nichrome has a plasticity of at least 20% at room temperature, while fechral, depending on the brand, has a lower strength. For example, Fechral X15Yu5 has a plasticity of about 16%, and X23U5T has a plasticity of about 10%. Nichrome also has a higher tensile strength, although fechral gains in hardness, which, however, contributes to its fragility.
Both materials are available in the form of wire, thread, tape and rod. Nichrome is usually about three times more expensive than fecral due to the difference in the cost of alloy components. For example, iron is much cheaper for fecral than the nickel used in nichrome.
When deciding on the use of fechral and nichrome, it is necessary to take into account the requirements of specific equipment. Each material has its own unique advantages and limitations, especially under conditions of high temperatures, frequent heating/cooling cycles, and aggressive environments. For an optimal choice, it is necessary to achieve a balance between strength, oxidation resistance and cost.
Nichrome is a more expensive material with excellent mechanical properties at a wide range of temperatures. It is characterized by high plasticity and weldability, as well as easy processing.
Fehral, by contrast, is a brittle alloy that loses its mechanical properties at temperatures above 1000°C. It is magnetic and can rust in humid environments. FeCral has a low creep resistance and lengthens significantly when heated.
In addition to these alloys, other materials such as tungsten, molybdenum, tantalum and niobium are also used to create heaters. In high-temperature vacuum furnaces, as well as in furnaces with protective atmospheric temperatures, molybdenum and tungsten heaters are used that can operate at extreme temperatures.
Nichrome and fecral production at St. Petersburg Precision Alloy Plant includes precise control of alloy components to achieve the required characteristics. This ensures high quality and product reliability.
To order the right alloy or get advice on choosing the material for your project, contact us at the specified number or leave a request on the site. Our experts will answer all your questions and provide you with detailed information.
