Kanthal Wire

Kanthal Wire

Kanthal wire is a ferritic iron-chromium-aluminum (FeCrAl) alloy. It does not easily rust or oxidize in industrial applications and has excellent resistance to corrosive elements.

Kanthal wire has a higher maximum operating temperature than Nichrome wire. Compared to Nichrome, it has a higher surface load, higher resistivity, higher yield strength, and lower density. Kanthal wire also lasts 2 to 4 times longer than Nichrome wire due to its superior oxidation properties and resistance to sulfuric environments.

Kanthal A1

Kanthal A1 is for use at temperatures up to 1400°C (2550°F). This type of Kanthal is the best choice of resistance wire for large industrial applications. It also has a slightly higher tensile strength than Kanthal D.

Kanthal A1 is most typically used in heating elements in large-scale industrial applications such as industrial furnaces (commonly found in the glass, ceramics, electronics, and steel industries). Its high resistivity and ability to withstand elements without oxidation, even in sulfuric and hot atmospheres, makes Kanthal A1 a popular choice when dealing with large-scale heating elements. Kanthal A1 wire also has a higher wet corrosion resistance and a higher hot and creep strength than Kanthal D, making it a popular choice for large-scale industrial applications.

Kanthal D

Kanthal D is for use at temperatures up to 1300°C (2370°F).

This type of Kanthal wire does not withstand sulfuric corrosion as well as Kanthal A1. Kanthal D wire is often found in home appliances such as dishwashers, ceramics for panel heaters, and laundry dryers. It can also be found in industrial applications, most commonly in furnace heating elements. Kanthal A1 is more often chosen for larger industrial furnace applications due to its high resistivity, better wet corrosion resistance, and higher hot and creep strength. One of the main advantages of Kanthal A1 over Kanthal D is the fact that it does not easily oxidize.

Depending on the resistivity needed, maximum operating temperature, and corrosive nature of the element, you may want to select Kanthal A-1 or Kanthal D wire.