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Nichrome
Nichrome
from Wikipedia

Nichrome (also known as NiCr, nickel-chromium or chromium-nickel) is a family of alloys of nickel and chromium (and occasionally iron[1]) commonly used as resistance wire, heating elements in devices like toasters, electrical kettles and space heaters, in some dental restorations (fillings) and in a few other applications.

Patented in 1906 by Albert Marsh (US patent 811,859[2]), nichrome is the oldest documented form of resistance heating alloy.

The A Grade nichrome alloy is 80% nickel and 20% chromium by mass, but there are many other combinations of metals for various applications.

Properties

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C Grade Nichrome is consistently silvery in color, is corrosion-resistant, has a high melting point of approximately 1,400 °C (2,550 °F), and has an electrical resistivity of around 1.12 μΩ·m, which is around 66 times higher resistivity than copper of 16.78 nΩ·m.[3] Some nichrome formulations have a resistivity as low as 1.0 μΩ·m or as high as 1.5 μΩ·m.[4]

Almost any conductive wire can be used for heating, but most metals conduct electricity with great efficiency, requiring them to be formed into very thin and delicate wires to create enough resistance to generate heat. When heated in air, most metals then oxidize quickly, become brittle and break. Nichrome wire, when heated to red-hot temperatures, develops an outer layer of chromium oxide,[5] which is thermodynamically stable in air, is mostly impervious to oxygen, and protects the heating element from further oxidation.

Nichrome alloys are known for their high mechanical strength and their high creep strength.[6] The properties of nichrome vary depending on its alloy. Figures given are representative of typical material and are accurate to expressed significant figures. Any variations are due to different percentages of nickel or chromium.

Standard compositions

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Nichrome alloys for use in resistance heating are described by both ASTM and DIN standards.[7][8] These standards specify the relative percentages of nickel and chromium that should be present in an alloy. In ASTM three alloys that are specified contain, amongst other trace elements:

  • 80% Ni, 20% Cr
  • 60% Ni, 16% Cr
  • 35% Ni, 20% Cr

Properties by composition

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Each standard composition of nichrome has unique material properties. Some general ones are given as follows:[9]

Table of nichrome alloys
Alloy % Content Density

[g/cm3]

Ni Cr Fe
NiCr 80/20 80 20 - 8.3
NiCr 70/30 70 30 - 8.1
NiCr 60/16 60 16 (24) 8.2
NiCr 35/20 35 20 (45) 7.9

Uses

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An electrical device using coils of wire for resistive heating (wrapped around sheets of mica)

Because of its low cost of manufacture, strength, ductility, resistance to oxidation, stability at high temperatures, and electrical resistance, nichrome is widely used in electric heating elements in applications such as hair dryers and heat guns. Typically, nichrome is wound in coils to a certain electrical resistance, and when current is passed through it the Joule heating produces heat.

Nichrome is used in the explosives and fireworks industry as a bridgewire in electric ignition systems, such as electric matches and model rocket igniters.

Industrial and hobby hot-wire foam cutters use nichrome wire.

Nichrome wire is commonly used in ceramic as an internal support structure to help some elements of clay sculptures hold their shape while they are still soft. Nichrome wire is used for its ability to withstand the high temperatures that occur when clay work is fired in a kiln.

Nichrome wire can be used as an alternative to platinum wire for flame testing by colouring the non-luminous part of a flame to detect cations such as sodium, potassium, copper, calcium, etc.

Other areas of usage include motorcycle mufflers, in certain areas in the microbiological lab apparatus, as the heating element of plastic extruders by the RepRap 3D printing community, in the solar panel deployment mechanism of spacecraft LightSail-A, and as the heating coils of electronic cigarettes.

The alloy price is controlled by the more expensive nickel content. Distributor pricing is typically indexed to market prices for nickel.

Nickel allergies are common; while the wire in heating elements is rarely directly touched by users of devices, some uses of nichrome are, and a 1984 study by the University of Puerto Rico showed that 28.5% of people tested had some kind of allergic reaction following contact with nickel.[10]

See also

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References

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Nichrome is a family of nickel-chromium alloys, typically composed of 80% nickel and 20% chromium, renowned for its high electrical resistivity, oxidation resistance, and ability to operate at elevated temperatures up to 1200°C, making it ideal for use as a resistance heating element. Invented by American metallurgist Albert L. Marsh and patented in 1906 (US Patent No. 811,859), Nichrome was developed as an electric resistance material, initially for laboratory furnaces and later revolutionizing consumer appliances by enabling efficient, durable heating coils. Its key properties include a around 1400°C, excellent resistance due to a protective layer, low thermal conductivity (approximately 11.3 W/m·), and a of 8400 kg/m³, which contribute to its and in harsh environments. Nichrome finds widespread applications in devices such as toasters, hair dryers, and electric ovens, as well as industrial settings including for ignition wires and components for wear-resistant coatings. Variants like Nichrome 80/20 dominate due to their balanced performance, though additions of iron or other elements can tailor specific traits for specialized uses.

History

Invention and Early Development

Nichrome was invented in 1905 by American metallurgist Albert L. Marsh while working at the Hoskins Manufacturing Company in , , where he aimed to develop a cost-effective and durable alternative to for elements. Marsh's early experiments were driven by the demand for alloys that could endure elevated temperatures without rapid oxidation, extending prior research on pure and alloys like , which suffered from limited thermal stability. On February 6, 1906, Marsh received U.S. 811,859 for an electric resistance element made from a nickel-chromium , emphasizing its high electrical resistivity and suitability for heating applications in devices such as rheostats and furnaces. Initial evaluations in laboratory furnaces confirmed the alloy's exceptional oxidation resistance, outperforming earlier materials like by maintaining structural integrity at high temperatures, which validated its potential for practical use in heating technology.

and

Commercial production of Nichrome commenced in 1906 by the Hoskins Manufacturing Company, following Albert Marsh's patent for the nickel-chromium alloy (US Patent 811,859), establishing it as the first widely used resistance heating alloy for electrical applications. The Driver-Harris Company also became a major producer of Nichrome alloys and was later integrated into Kanthal through acquisition in 1996. By the , Nichrome had developed into a family of alloys tailored for diverse needs, with various grades introduced to enhance performance in high-temperature environments while optimizing cost and durability. advanced in the mid-20th century through specifications like ASTM B344, which defines requirements for drawn or rolled nickel-chromium and nickel-chromium-iron alloys, including tolerances for wire and strip forms used in electrical heating. Complementary DIN standards, such as DIN 17470 and 17471, similarly outlined compositions and properties for these alloys to support consistent quality across international production. Nichrome's adoption expanded significantly during and , driven by military demands for components in aircraft de-icing systems and equipment, which spurred global manufacturing networks and diversified supply chains.

Composition

Primary Formulations

Nichrome alloys are primarily composed of and , with the standard A-grade formulation consisting of 80% and 20% by mass. This ratio, specified under ASTM B344 for drawn or rolled shapes used in electrical heating elements, provides an optimal balance of electrical resistivity and oxidation resistance, enabling reliable performance at temperatures up to 1200°C. Another primary formulation is 70% and 30% (UNS N06008), developed in the , offering improved life in air up to 1260°C and resistance to green rot in low-oxygen conditions. Other primary ASTM-specified formulations include a lower-cost variant with 60% and 16% , balanced by iron, suitable for applications up to 1100°C such as household appliances. Additionally, a grade comprises 35% and 20% , with iron as the balance (D-grade, UNS N06002), designed for reducing atmospheres between 800°C and 1000°C. In these core formulations, nickel contributes ductility, mechanical strength, and general corrosion resistance, allowing the alloy to withstand repeated thermal cycling without brittleness. Chromium, meanwhile, enables the formation of a stable chromium(III) oxide (Cr₂O₃) passivation layer on the surface, which protects against further oxidation and extends service life in air. Trace elements such as , , and iron (beyond the balanced amounts in iron-containing grades) are strictly limited to under 1% to ensure compositional purity and consistent performance across batches. Variations may incorporate minor additives like for enhanced scalability in specific processing, but these remain secondary to the baseline nickel-chromium matrix.

Variations and Alloying Elements

Nichrome alloys are typically based on the standard 80/20 formulation of 80% and 20% , but variations incorporate additional elements to optimize performance for specific requirements. One common modification involves introducing iron as the balance (approximately 24%) in grades such as Nichrome 60, which consists of approximately 60% , 16% , and balance iron; this adjustment reduces material costs while enhancing , maintaining essential heat resistance suitable for many industrial heating applications. In high-strength variants, small additions of silicon (1-2%) or manganese are incorporated to improve resistance to deformation under prolonged high-temperature exposure, enabling use in demanding structural components. Advanced formulations developed since the 1980s include rare-earth elements or aluminum in trace amounts to extend oxidation resistance in harsh conditions, such as those encountered in aerospace environments where components face extreme thermal cycling and corrosive atmospheres. Increasing content to up to 30% in certain alloys, such as the 70/30 formulation, provides higher-temperature stability up to 1260°C with a around 1400°C, though higher chromium can reduce due to formation of brittle phases; proprietary variants like those under the Kanthal brand, including Nikrothal nickel-chromium series, exemplify such tailored compositions for specialized resistance heating needs.

Properties

Physical and Chemical Characteristics

Nichrome exhibits a silvery-gray metallic appearance with a high luster, characteristic of its nickel-chromium composition. The standard 80/20 has a density of approximately 8.4 g/cm³, providing a balance of weight and structural integrity suitable for various forms such as wires and strips. The alloy's ranges from 1,400 to 1,450°C, allowing it to maintain structural integrity in elevated temperature environments without deformation. Nichrome demonstrates excellent , particularly in air and oxidizing atmospheres, due to the formation of a self-healing layer that protects the underlying material from further degradation. This passive , primarily Cr₂O₃, enhances resistance and is influenced by the content in the . The material shows limited in acids, where hot or concentrated varieties can cause gradual , but it remains highly resistant to most alkalis, including molten forms. In wire form, Nichrome can exhibit at , particularly when hard-drawn, making it prone to cracking under bending stress. However, annealing significantly improves its , resulting in a softer, more formable material with elongation typically exceeding 20%.

Electrical and Thermal Performance

Nichrome exhibits high electrical resistivity, typically ranging from 1.0 to 1.5 × 10⁻⁶ Ω·m at 20°C, which enables efficient resistance heating with relatively low current densities. This resistivity remains stable up to approximately 1,000°C, making it suitable for sustained high-temperature operations without significant degradation in performance. The material's low temperature coefficient of resistance, approximately 0.0004/°C, minimizes variations in heating output as temperature rises, ensuring consistent electrical behavior. This coefficient is incorporated into the relationship for resistivity as a function of temperature: ρT=ρ20[1+α(T20)]\rho_T = \rho_{20} \left[1 + \alpha (T - 20)\right] where ρT\rho_T is the resistivity at temperature TT (°C), ρ20\rho_{20} is the resistivity at 20°C, and α0.0004/C\alpha \approx 0.0004 /^\circ\mathrm{C}. In terms of thermal properties, Nichrome has low thermal conductivity of about 11.3 W/m·K, which helps retain heat within heating elements and reduces energy loss to the surroundings. Its specific heat capacity is approximately 0.44 J/g·K, allowing for moderate heat storage without excessive temperature fluctuations during operation. These characteristics contribute to efficient thermal management in high-heat environments, with the material's melting point of around 1,400°C serving as the practical upper temperature limit. Nichrome demonstrates robust oxidation resistance at elevated temperatures, forming a protective, adherent layer of chromium(III) oxide (Cr₂O₃) above approximately 500°C that inhibits further material degradation by acting as a diffusion barrier to oxygen. This oxide scale also enhances the alloy's total hemispherical emissivity to around 0.9, promoting effective radiative heat transfer in applications requiring infrared emission.

Manufacturing

Production Methods

Nichrome alloys are primarily produced through the melting of high-purity and raw materials (with controlled iron for certain variants) in an or vacuum to achieve the desired . This initial melting step ensures the base formation, with careful control of proportions—typically 80% and 20% for standard grades—to optimize electrical resistivity and oxidation resistance. Following primary melting, vacuum induction is employed to remove impurities such as gases, inclusions, and non-metallic elements, resulting in alloys with low impurity levels, such as maximum carbon of 0.15% and of 0.015% per ASTM B344. The molten is then into ingots or billets, which serve as intermediates for further processing. For high-purity grades required in demanding applications like components, electroslag remelting is applied as a secondary step to enhance homogeneity and cleanliness by progressively remelting the through a bath. Quality control adheres to ASTM B344 standards, which specify chemical composition limits including maximum carbon of 0.15%, sulfur of 0.015%, of 1.0%, iron of 1.0% (for Ni80Cr20), and other impurities to ensure consistent performance in heating elements. These limits prevent detrimental effects on resistivity and longevity, with samples tested for compliance prior to full production release.

Processing and Forming

Nichrome billets, produced from the base melting process, undergo hot rolling to form strips or rods. This involves heating the billets to 1050–1150°C and passing them through rolling mills with reductions of no more than 15% per pass to achieve desired dimensions, such as wire rods of 12–15 mm . Following hot rolling, the material is annealed, typically at 1000°C for several hours, to relieve internal stresses and restore for subsequent forming operations. Further shaping occurs through , a cold-working that reduces the rod diameter via multiple passes through dies. Starting from approximately 10–15 mm, the wire can be drawn down to as fine as 0.025 mm, with each pass achieving a reduction of 10–20% to prevent cracking. dies are commonly used for fine diameters due to their and precision, while intermediate annealing—at temperatures around 900–1000°C—is performed periodically to counteract and maintain the alloy's . Surface treatments prepare the formed Nichrome for use by removing contaminants and enhancing durability. in solutions (90–150 g/L concentration) for 7–15 minutes effectively eliminates surface and residues, promoting passivation and a uniform . In humid environments, optional with metals like can provide additional protection by forming a barrier layer. For heating element fabrication, the drawn wire is wound into coils using automated winding machines to achieve precise dimensions. These coils are then embedded or supported within blocks or sheets for insulation and structural integrity, ensuring even heat distribution. The process adheres to standards such as DIN 17470, which specifies dimensional tolerances for round and flat heating conductor wires, typically ±0.01–0.05 mm depending on diameter.

Applications

Heating Elements

Nichrome serves as the primary material for resistive heating elements in numerous household appliances, including toasters, electric kettles, hair dryers, and ovens, where it is typically formed into wire coils that generate through the Joule effect, described by the power equation P=I2RP = I^2 R, converting directly into via resistance. This application leverages Nichrome's high electrical resistivity, approximately 1.00×1061.00 \times 10^{-6} Ω·m at , which ensures controlled current flow and efficient heat production without excessive power requirements. Design considerations for these heating elements focus on selecting appropriate wire gauges, often in the range of AWG 18 to 22, to optimize up to approximately 5 /cm², balancing heat output with material durability to avoid overheating or mechanical failure. To prevent electrical shorts and enhance safety, the coils are commonly embedded or supported within insulators such as steatite ceramics, which provide excellent thermal stability and electrical isolation while allowing efficient heat transfer. These elements achieve high efficiency, operating at surface temperatures between 800°C and 1,200°C and converting over 90% of input to due to the near-total conversion in resistive processes, with minimal losses to or conduction when properly insulated. Under typical cyclic loading conditions in appliances, Nichrome heating elements exhibit a lifespan of 5,000 to , influenced by factors like and environmental exposure. In industrial settings, Nichrome is integral to designs, where coiled or ribbon elements surround an insulated chamber to deliver uniform heating up to 1,200°C, supporting processes in for annealing and hardening metals, as well as in glassworking for melting and shaping. This configuration isolates the heating source from the workpiece, ensuring contamination-free environments essential for high-precision applications.

Specialized Uses

Nichrome finds application as bridgewires in the explosives and industry, where thin filaments, typically around 0.20 mm in diameter (32 AWG), serve as ignition elements in electric systems such as electric matches and igniters. These filaments ignite via low-voltage electrical pulses, rapidly heating to approximately 1,000°C to initiate reliably. Their high electrical resistance and quick thermal response make them ideal for precise, low-energy triggers. In hot-wire foam cutters, Nichrome wire enables precision cutting of materials like at temperatures of 200–300°C, producing clean edges with minimal residue due to the wire's low and fast heating. Similarly, in 3D printers, Nichrome is employed in some hotend designs, where coiled wire heats the extruder to controlled temperatures for filament melting, offering durability in repetitive high-heat cycles. Nichrome wire is widely used in laboratory settings as probes for flame testing, where it is heated in a to observe characteristic colors from metal ions without contaminating the sample. In ceramic processing, Nichrome forms supports like in kilns, sustaining pieces at elevated temperatures up to 1,200°C while resisting deformation. Following the post-2010 surge in electronic cigarette adoption, Nichrome coils became common in early devices for their ability to heat e-liquids efficiently at around 200–250°C. In , Nichrome contributes to de-icing strips on leading edges, where embedded heaters provide rapid thermal pulses to melt ice accumulation, enhancing flight safety in cold conditions. For sterilization, Nichrome elements power autoclaves, maintaining high temperatures (typically 121–134°C) under pressure for effective elimination, bolstered by the alloy's high creep resistance that ensures structural integrity over prolonged exposure. This creep resistance, derived from the nickel-chromium composition, allows reliable performance in demanding, high-temperature environments without significant deformation.

Safety and Environmental Aspects

Health Risks

Nichrome, an alloy primarily composed of and , poses health risks primarily through direct contact and inhalation during handling, processing, or use. Nickel sensitivity is a significant concern, as skin contact with nickel-containing alloys like Nichrome can trigger in susceptible individuals. The prevalence of has been estimated at up to 28.5% in certain populations, with symptoms typically manifesting as itchy rashes, redness, and eczema-like eruptions at the site of exposure. Inhalation hazards arise during activities such as , cutting, or grinding Nichrome, which generate fumes containing (Cr(VI)) and . is classified as a and can cause respiratory irritation, lung damage, and increased cancer risk upon inhalation. in these fumes are also associated with respiratory and potential carcinogenicity. The (OSHA) establishes a (PEL) of 1 mg/m³ for as an 8-hour time-weighted average to mitigate these risks. Thermal burns represent another direct risk when handling heated Nichrome elements, which can reach surface temperatures exceeding 800°C in applications like heating coils. Such high temperatures necessitate protective gear, such as gloves and barriers, to prevent severe burns from accidental contact. Additionally, faulty installations of Nichrome-based devices may lead to electrical shock hazards, particularly if insulation fails during operation. Long-term occupational exposure to chromium dust and fumes in Nichrome manufacturing environments is linked to chronic respiratory issues, including and reduced lung function. Workers in chromium-exposed settings, such as production, exhibit higher incidences of , , and other chronic lung diseases due to cumulative of Cr(VI) compounds. These effects underscore the importance of and in industrial settings to limit prolonged exposure.

Disposal and Sustainability

Nichrome exhibits high potential primarily due to its substantial content, typically comprising 60-80% of the , which makes it economically viable to recover from end-of-life products. Processes for Nichrome scrap generally involve mechanical shredding to prepare the material, followed by electrolytic to separate and purify the and components, achieving recovery rates of up to 82% for in forms. Overall, approximately 68% of from consumer products, including like Nichrome, is recycled globally, contributing to reduced demand for primary mining. Environmental concerns associated with Nichrome production center on the upstream extraction of its key components. Chromium , which supplies the 20% chromium in standard Nichrome compositions, often leads to through the release of and other contaminants into and surface waters from ore processing and waste disposal. Additionally, the melting phase utilizes energy-intensive electric arc furnaces, emitting CO₂ during production, though this process generates roughly 75% lower emissions compared to traditional due to reliance on inputs and . Regulatory frameworks address these impacts by promoting safer material use and sourcing. In the , Nichrome used in electronics complies with the RoHS Directive, which restricts hazardous substances like to below 0.1% by weight, as metallic in Nichrome does not exceed these thresholds and poses no violation. For nickel sourcing, post-2010 initiatives such as the Responsible Minerals Initiative and Initiative for Responsible Mining Assurance certifications ensure sustainable practices in mining, including reduced and ethical labor standards for alloy production. Lifecycle assessments of Nichrome highlight a favorable profile in the use phase, where the alloy's results in minimal waste generation during operation in heating elements and other applications. However, end-of-life management via of discarded components can release trace metals like and into ash and flue gases, necessitating advanced filtration to mitigate environmental release. Improper disposal may also pose health risks through leaching of these metals into and water. As an alternative, Kanthal A1 (an iron-chromium-aluminum with about 22% ) offers similar performance for high-temperature uses while potentially reducing overall dependency in certain applications through its aluminum content, which enhances oxidation resistance and longevity.

References

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