Many types of industrial, commercial, and consumer equipment contain heating elements made with wire. Because they reach and maintain high temperatures cycle after cycle, these wires need good thermal conductivity, temperature resistance, and the ability to withstand corrosive environments. Wires made from an alloy called Kanthal are a common choice for heating elements in applications ranging from toasters and hairdryers to industrial furnaces and commercial kilns.
Laurel Wire Co., Inc. supplies premium quality Kanthal wire as well as stainless steel, non-ferrous metals, and Thermothal wire and strip material. Wire cutting, straightening, and centerless grinding services are also available.
Learn more about Kanthal wire, its beneficial properties, and applications.
What is Kanthal Wire?
Kanthal is the trademark name for a family of iron-chromium-aluminum (FeCrAl) alloys. Wire and strip made from this material has high tensile strength and is very flexible for use in coiled and other configurations of heating elements. All Kanthal materials share these general properties:
- High thermal conductivity
- Corrosion resistance
- High electrical resistance
- Excellent tensile strength
- Flexibility
- High temperature resistance
- High surface load
- Little to no oxide spalling
- Cost effectiveness
Laurel Wire Co. cuts and straightens these Kanthal wire types:
- Kanthal A1 wire: For applications such as industrial furnaces and kilns, up to 1400°C/2550°F.
- Kanthal D: Commonly used in household appliances, industrial furnace and heat treatment equipment, space heating, and other applications up to 1300°C/2370°F.
- Kanthal AF: Exhibits excellent oxidation resistance and can be used up to 1300°C/2370°F.
- Kanthal APM: Features high form stability and corrosion resistance for a long service life in industrial furnace heating elements up to 1425°C/2600°F.
Benefits of Kanthal Wire
When compared to other types of wire Kanthal products offer many benefits for high-temperature applications in consumer and industrial products and equipment. Some key advantages of this material include:
- High thermal conductivity: For efficient and effective transfer of heat including temperatures up to 1400°C/2550°F or higher.
- High electrical resistance: This results in a low flow of current and less risk of damage to delicate wires.
- Tensile strength and flexibility: For durability and the ability to form into desired shapes in heating elements.
- Low density and light weight: This makes Kanthal wire easier to install and handle without contributing excessive weight to appliances and machinery.
- Corrosion resistance: For use in harsh environments, such as carburizing atmospheres.
- High surface load: Defined as the power value per unit area (i.e., cm2), a higher surface load means the same amount of power can be provided using a smaller gauge wire.
- No oxide spallation: Unlike some materials that are prone to spalling (i.e., surface cracks in the oxide coating that can contaminate furnace chamber or components being heat treated inside), Kanthal wire forms an aluminum oxide coating that is resistant to spalling.
Applications of Kanthal Wire
Kanthal wire is widely used in applications calling for consistent and reliable heat, such as:
- Industrial furnaces: In heating elements for industrial furnaces and ovens for powder metallurgy and other high-heat applications where consistent quality heat is critical.
- Process heating: In heating elements used for drying, annealing, melting, and pre-heating operations in metal fabrication, stamping, and finishing processes.
- Heating elements: In heating elements for consumer appliances like dishwashers and dryers, as well as industrial furnaces, ovens, and electric heaters.
- Electrical resistors: In the manufacturing of electrical resistors for electronics, automotive components, and more.
- Kiln elements: In kiln heating elements for firing pottery and ceramics.
- Thermocouples: In thermocouples, which are temperature sensors, for specific applications requiring high-temperature resistance.
- Industrial wire mesh: In the manufacturing of industrial wire mesh screens and filters due to its resistance to corrosion and high temperatures.
- Vaping coils: In electronic cigarettes (i.e., vapes) due to its high resistance and durability.
A Trusted Source for Kanthal Wire and More
At Laurel Wire Co., Inc., we provide a variety of metal alloy wires and strips for use in applications ranging from heating elements to springs to aerospace and musical components. We offer wires in many diameters and materials including stainless steel, non-ferrous metals, Kanthal, Thermothal, and more. Our capabilities include custom wire cutting for wires of .030 in. to .364 in. diameter, and lengths up to 40 ft. Strip cutting is available from .040 in. to 3.00 in. wide. Precision wire straightening and centerless grinding services are also available.
Contact us to learn more about our selection of wires and custom services, or to request a quote for your next project.