Datasheet

Kanthal Appliance Alloys Handbook 7
1
Better resistance to sulphur
In atmospheres contaminated with sulphuric
compounds and in the presence of contami-
nations containing sulphur on the wire sur-
face, KANTHAL alloys have better corrosion
resistance in hot state. NiCr alloys are heavily
attacked under such conditions.
Weight savings with KANTHAL alloys
The lower density and higher resistivity of
KANTHAL alloys means that for a given
power, less material is needed when using
KANTHAL instead of NIKROTHAL alloys.
The result is that in a great number of appli-
cations, substantial savings in weight and
element costs can be achieved.
In converting from NiCr to KANTHAL
alloys, either the wire diameter can be kept
constant while changing the surface load, or
the surface load can be held constant while
changing the wire diameter. In both cases,
the KANTHAL alloy will weigh less than
the NiCr alloy.
1
NIKROTHAL Advantages
Higher hot and creep strength
NIKROTHAL alloys have higher hot and
creep strength than KANTHAL alloys.
KANTHAL APM, AF and AE are better in
this respect than the other KANTHAL
grades and have a very good form stability,
however, not as good as that of NIKRO-
THAL.
Better ductility after use
NIKROTHAL alloys remain ductile after
long use.
Higher emissivity
Fully oxidized NIKROTHAL alloys have a
higher emissivity than KANTHAL alloys.
Thus, at the same surface load the element
temperature of NIKROTHAL is somewhat
lower.
Non-magnetic
In certain low-temperature applications a
non-magnetic material is preferred.
NIKROTHAL alloys are non-magnetic (ex-
cept NIKROTHAL 60 at low temperatures).
KANTHAL alloys are non-magnetic above
600 °C 1100 °F.
Better wet corrosion resistance
NIKROTHAL alloys generally have better
corrosion resistance at room temperature
than nonoxidized KANTHAL alloys.
(Exceptions: atmospheres containing sulphur
and certain controlled atmospheres.)