Silicon Carbide Heating Elements

Silicon carbide (SiC) is an extremely hard, synthetically produced crystalline compound of silicon and carbon that has long been utilized for cutting tools, sandpaper and wear-resistant parts in pumps and rocket engines, refractory linings for industrial furnaces, wear resistant parts for pumps and rocket engines and even semiconductor substrates for light emitting diodes (LED). Since the late 19th century, SiC has been widely utilized as well. Recently it has also found application as refractory linings in industrial furnaces as wear-resistant parts in wear-resistant parts for pumps and rocket engines as semiconductor substrates for light emitting diodes (LED).

High Resistance

Silicon carbide heating elements are non-metallic heating elements with electrical resistance that generate heat when current passes through them, making them perfect for industrial furnaces that need high temperature control for various applications such as metal heat treatment, ceramic and glass production, semiconductor manufacturing etc.

Due to their low resistance, EREMA elements offer a cost-effective method of heating your furnace without the need for flue gasses – providing an improved working environment and increasing element life by controlling oxidation. Our NoAgeTM technology further extends their service life.

American Elements offers high-density Recrystallized SiC elements designed for ceramic firing, float glass production, nonferrous metal melting processes such as sintering and brazing as well as other industrial processes requiring temperatures up to 1625oC. These elements come in the form of rods or tubes with one or multiple legs featuring metallized aluminum extremities; furthermore they come with various geometries to meet customer product design specifications and furnace criteria.

High Temperature Resistance

Silicon carbide heating elements have the ability to withstand high temperatures and oxidation, prolonging their lifetime in various furnace applications such as ceramics, glass, powder metallurgy and assaying. Their durability makes them a reliable choice.

Resistance of silicon carbide heaters varies non-linearly with temperature. A reliable control system must be implemented in order to avoid running the element at excessive power levels; its goal should be setting so as to ensure that operating power stays below and to the left of its “Heater power limit curve”.

Many elements are treated with MHI’s NoAgeTM treatment to avoid gradual oxidation and formation of Silica that could increase resistance during their lifespan of operation. Furthermore, NoAgeTM helps protect elements against chemical attack from process vapors that could degrade their coating or lead to mechanical failure.

Low Expansion Coefficient

Silicon Carbide boasts high mechanical strength and low thermal expansion rates, making it suitable for use at extremely high temperatures without losing strength. Due to this property combination, silicon Carbide makes an excellent material choice for heating element materials used in applications that experience shocks.

Silicon carbide stands up better against aggressive furnace environments than other metals like aluminum due to being resistant to attack from molten salts, alkalis or acids – meaning its resistance means it can withstand aggressive furnace environments that would compromise other heating elements and shorten their lives.

SiC elements’ low tensile strength may present some challenges; however, this can be offset by matching their resistance, increasing durability and avoiding damage during operation. Furthermore, these elements are highly resistant to common process gases and chemicals which reduce maintenance needs as well as operating costs and downtime.

High Thermal Conductivity

Our DM type silicon carbide heating elements are tailored for use in industrial furnaces, metal heat treatment, ceramic production and glassware production as well as semiconductor manufacturing. Their hard yet brittle construction withstands sudden cold and heat changes without deforming under high temperatures.

Globar sic heating elements are distinguished by high operating temperature, anti-oxidation and corrosion resistance, long service life, low deformation rates and easy installation. Their use is common across a wide range of high-temperature electric furnaces used for magnetic materials, ceramics, powder metallurgy powder metals glass metallurgy industries as well as others that utilize electric heat sources such as furnaces.

There is a range of surface coatings available to protect heating elements against corrosion-inducing process vapors and extend their working lives, such as protective glazes, alumina coatings for silicon carbide or tungsten carbide refractories, metallic oxide coatings or our NoAge(r) treatment which protects them against degradation caused by other process vapors; decreasing gas attacks while prolonging their longevity.