Resistance heating is a popular method of generating heat that finds numerous industrial applications. The process of resistance heating works by passing an electric current through resistance-heated furnaces, which then convert the electrical current into heat energy. This method is helpful in a wide range of heating applications, such as manufacturing electrical components, cooking, and metal heat treatment.
Resistance Heating For Electrical Components
Resistance heating helps in the manufacturing of electrical components such as capacitors, resistors, and diodes. In these applications, high-resistance materials such as molybdenum and tungsten are used to generate heat by converting the electrical current to heat energy. This heat is then used to fuse or shape different materials in the desired form.
Resistance heating is an ideal option to generate heat since it maintains a predictable and consistent amount of heat energy, which is critical for manufacturing high-quality electrical components. Different Furnace Manufacturing Companies make different types of furnaces to cater to different manufacturing needs.
Resistance Heating For Heat Treatment Of Metals
Resistance heating is used in the treatment of metals. During heat treatment, a metal is heated at a specific temperature and held at that specific temperature for a particular amount of time. It is used to change the mechanical and physical properties of the metal, such as its hardness, strength, and flexibility. The resistance-heated furnaces are the ideal choice in this case since they quickly heat the metal while allowing precise control over the heating rate and temperature.
Resistance Heating For Cooking Appliances
Resistance heating is used for cooking appliances such as toasters, ovens, and grills. The top resistance heating elements materials, such as Kanthal and Nichrome, are used for generating heat. Kanthal is a heating wire that comprises aluminium, chromium, iron, manganese, and silicon alloy. On the other hand, Nichrome is an alloy of nickel-chromium that contains about 80% of nickel and 20% of chromium.
Nichrome is a common heating element in household appliances such as toasters, electric ovens, and hair dryers. Resistance heating is an ideal option for cooking appliances since it is energy-efficient and heats food quickly and evenly, providing a better cooking experience.
Resistance Heating In Industrial Applications
Resistance heating is used for melting and casting of metals, ceramic heat treatment, and drying of paints.
Different Methods Of Resistance Heating
Direct and indirect resistance heating are the two primary methods:
Direct Resistance Heating
In direct resistance heating, an electric current is directly passed through the object to be heated, which has a high electrical resistance. As the current passes through the object, the electrical current is converted into heat, which raises the object’s temperature. Some primary examples of direct resistance heating are wire and cartridge heating. You can also work with Furnace Manufacturing Companies to provide you with the best furnace for heating different materials.
Indirect Resistance Heating
In indirect resistance heating, the electric current is passed through the heating element separated from the object being heated. The heating element is generally made of high-resistance materials such as Nichrome and Kanthal, which generate heat that is then transferred to the object through conduction, radiation, or convection. Some primary examples of indirect resistance heating are induction heating and infrared heating.
Which Is A Better Choice?
To choose the best resistance heating method, you will have to consider your needs and preferences, and you can take the help of an expert to help you make the right choice. Direct resistance heating is generally used in applications where the heated object is small. Indirect resistance heating is used in applications where the heated object is complex and large. Moreover, indirect resistance heating can be energy-efficient in some cases since it allows for more precise control over the heating process.