What is a Kanthal Heating Coil?

A Kanthal heating coil is a type of resistance wire made from iron-chromium-aluminum (FeCrAl) alloy, designed for high-temperature electric heating applications. It is widely used in industrial furnaces, household appliances, vaping devices, and laboratory equipment due to its excellent oxidation resistance, durability, and stable electrical resistance at high temperatures. We produce high quality Kanthal Wire substitutes. 

 Key Properties of Kanthal Heating Coils :

✅ High-Temperature Resistance – Can operate up to 1,400°C (2,550°F) in air. 

✅ Excellent Oxidation Resistance – Forms a protective alumina (Al₂O₃) layer when heated. 

✅ Long Lifespan – More durable than nickel-chromium (NiCr) alloys in high-temp environments. 

✅ Stable Electrical Resistance – Minimal resistance drift over time. 

✅ Cost-Effective – Cheaper than some alternatives like platinum or molybdenum disilicide. 

Types of Kanthal Heating Coils: 

Kanthal is a brand name (owned by Sandvik), and the most common grades include: 

(Note: Kanthal also produces nickel-chromium (NiCr) variants like Kanthal N & C, but FeCrAl is the most widely used.) 

 Common Applications of Kanthal Heating Coils 

1. Industrial Heating Elements

– Electric furnaces & kilns (for metal, glass, ceramics) 

– Heat treatment systems (annealing, tempering) 

– Industrial ovens & dryers 

2. Consumer Appliances

– Toasters, hair dryers, space heaters 

– Electric stoves & ovens 

3. Vaping & E-Cigarettes

– Rebuildable atomizer coils (RBAs, RDAs) – Preferred for its fast heating & durability. 

– Temperature control (TC) vaping (though NiCr/Ti/SS are more common for TC). 

4. Laboratory & Scientific Equipment

– High-temperature lab furnaces 

– Thermal analysis instruments 

5. Automotive & Aerospace

– Glow plugs & sensors 

– Aircraft de-icing systems 

Advantages of Kanthal over Nichrome (NiCr): 

✔ Higher temperature capability 

✔ Better oxidation resistance 

✔ Longer lifespan in air 

✔ More cost-effective for high-temp uses 

Disadvantages: 

❌ More brittle than NiCr (can break if bent repeatedly) 

❌ Not ideal for temperature control (TC) vaping (unlike Ni200/Ti/SS) 

 How Kanthal Heating Coils Work: 

1. Electric current passes through the coil, generating heat via resistance (Joule heating).
2. Aluminum in the alloy oxidizes, forming a protective alumina (Al₂O₃) layer that prevents further degradation.
3. Maintains stable resistance even after prolonged use.

 Conclusion 

Kanthal heating coils are a high-performance, cost-effective solution for electric heating in industrial, consumer, and vaping applications. Their FeCrAl composition provides superior heat resistance and longevity compared to many alternatives.