What Is a Heating Element?
A heating element refers to a substance that converts electricity into heat, commonly used in heaters.
There are two main types of heating elements: metallic and non-metallic. Representative examples of metallic heating elements include Ni-Cr alloys, Fe-Cr-Al alloys, molybdenum, and tungsten. Non-metallic heating elements include silicon carbide, graphite, zirconia, lanthanum chromite, carbon, and ceramics. The choice of which type to use depends on the temperature and atmosphere conditions required.
Metallic heating elements are flexible and can be wound around pipes, among other applications. Ceramic elements are often inserted into housings or placed on top for various uses.