FeCrAl/Kanthal Rod Bar

We manufacture high standard FeCrAl and Kanthal Substitute Rods/Bars. The available diameter range is 4.0mm to 30.0mm.

FeCrAl and Kanthal Substitute Rods/Bars are our advantageous product. Our 0Cr23Al5, 0Cr25Al5 and 0Cr21Al6Nb have higher than standard maximum working temperature and working life span. Our HJ209 and HJ407 are perfect substitute of Kanthal A1 and Kanthal APM because of their outstanding performance and cost effectiveness.

They are used as resistive heating elements in high-temperature industrial applications. Their key feature is the ability to withstand extreme temperatures (up to 1425°C / 2600°F) while being cost-effective.

  1. Available FeCrAl and Kanthal substitute alloys:
Grade Composition Max Temp Key Features Cost
0Cr23Al5 Fe-23Cr-5Al 1250°C Balanced performance Low
0Cr25Al5 Fe-25Cr-5Al 1300°C Best corrosion resistance Low
0Cr21Al6Nb Fe-21Cr-6Al-Nb 1350°C Chinese standard (Nb stabilized) Low
HJ209 (Kanthal A-1 Substitute) Fe-22Cr-5.8Al 1400°C Standard industrial grade, High oxidation resistance, stable resistivity Moderate
HJ407 (Kanthal APM Substitute) Fe-21Cr-5Al-0.02Ce 1425°C Enhanced creep resistance, long lifespan Moderate

 

  1. Advantages of the Bar Form Factor

Using a bar or rod instead of wire offers several design benefits:

  1. High Surface Area: A rectangular bar has a larger surface area per unit length than a cylindrical rod of the same cross-sectional area. This allows it to radiate more heat (higher wattage) for a given size.
  2. High Power (Wattage) Capacity: The larger cross-section allows for higher current flow, supporting very high-power loads, making them ideal for large industrial furnaces.
  3. Mechanical Rigidity: The bar shape is inherently rigid, resisting sagging and deformation under its own weight at high temperatures better than a thin rod or coiled wire, though supports are still essential.
  4. Ease of Installation & Connection: The flat surfaces make it easier to mount and secure with clamps and to attach to electrical terminals, often by drilling or punching holes.

 

  1. Applications of FeCrAl and Kanthal substitute Bars

FeCrAl and Kanthal substitute bars are the preferred choice in demanding high-temperature applications, especially where large amounts of heat are needed:

  • Industrial Batch & Continuous Furnaces: For annealing, hardening, tempering, and stress relieving of metal parts.
  • Ceramic Kilns:Especially for high-fire processes in technical ceramics and sintering.
  • Glass Melting & Processing Furnaces:Where consistent, radiant heat is required.
  • Laboratory Muffle Furnaces:For ashing, fusion, and other high-temperature R&D processes.
  • Heat Treatment Fixtures & Rails:Sometimes used as structural components within hot zones due to their strength at temperature.
  1. Direct Comparison: Nichrome vs. FeCrAl Bars & Rods
Feature Nichrome Bar/Rod FeCrAl/Kanthal Bar/Rod
Base Metal Nickel (Ni) Iron (Fe)
Max Operating Temp Up to ~1200°C (2200°F) Up to 1425°C (2600°F)
Room-Temp Ductility Remains Ductile & Tough Becomes Brittle after use
Oxidation Resistance Very Good (Cr₂O₃ scale) Excellent (Al₂O₃ scale)
High-Temp Strength Excellent (resists sagging) Good (requires more supports)
Cost Higher (high Ni content) Lower (Ni-free)
Ease of Fabrication Excellent (easy to coil, weld) Fair (difficult to weld, brittle)
Ideal Use Case Applications needing flexibility, complex coils, reliability at lower temps. Static, high-temp furnaces & kilns where cost is a factor.

 

List of Alloys