304 Stainless Steel vs. Nichrome Heating Coils
304 Stainless Steel vs. Nichrome Heating Coils
(OP)
Hi,
I am looking for a pros and cons for choosing one material over another in an electric resistance heating coil application.
The two choices are: 304 Stainless Steel or Nichrome.
The client is looking at stainless steel because of perceived corrosion resistance. However, all of our experience is in using nichrome elements. They've worked well for decades and decades, and the chromium oxide provides corrosion resistance.
The Nichrome elements are less expensive, but the client has directed us to evaluate stainless steel heating coils as well. What other pros and cons should we consider?
Thank you!
I am looking for a pros and cons for choosing one material over another in an electric resistance heating coil application.
The two choices are: 304 Stainless Steel or Nichrome.
The client is looking at stainless steel because of perceived corrosion resistance. However, all of our experience is in using nichrome elements. They've worked well for decades and decades, and the chromium oxide provides corrosion resistance.
The Nichrome elements are less expensive, but the client has directed us to evaluate stainless steel heating coils as well. What other pros and cons should we consider?
Thank you!





RE: 304 Stainless Steel vs. Nichrome Heating Coils
RE: 304 Stainless Steel vs. Nichrome Heating Coils
If they cycle then the oxide will spall and Nichrome will be much better.
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Plymouth Tube
RE: 304 Stainless Steel vs. Nichrome Heating Coils
RE: 304 Stainless Steel vs. Nichrome Heating Coils
Yes, the coils will be cycling. As a matter of fact, they could reach temperatures of 300-600° (multiple stages), then be exposed to 60° air.
We always use Nichrome, and do not have any experience with stainless heating coils. So thanks for the info!
RE: 304 Stainless Steel vs. Nichrome Heating Coils
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"It's better to die standing than live your whole life on the knees" by Peter Mayle in his book A Good Year
RE: 304 Stainless Steel vs. Nichrome Heating Coils
RE: 304 Stainless Steel vs. Nichrome Heating Coils
Michael McGuire
http://stainlesssteelforengineers.blogspot.com/
RE: 304 Stainless Steel vs. Nichrome Heating Coils
_____________________________________
"It's better to die standing than live your whole life on the knees" by Peter Mayle in his book A Good Year
RE: 304 Stainless Steel vs. Nichrome Heating Coils
Thank you everyone.
RE: 304 Stainless Steel vs. Nichrome Heating Coils
At this temp Kanthal and similar grades would not get brittle.
And they cost a heck of a lot less.
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Plymouth Tube