Specific weight of nichrome, its properties, advantages and table of values

Nichrome is a group of alloys consisting of nickel in a proportion from 55 to 78 percent, chromium in a proportion from 15 to 23 percent and various additives such as silicon, aluminum, manganese and iron. The main purpose of this material is the creation of heating elements and resistors.

Nichrome alloy was first developed in 1905 in the United States of America by A. Marsh.

Table of the specific weight of nichrome

Since nichrome is a complex material, it is not possible to calculate its specific weight independently in field conditions. These calculations are carried out in special chemical laboratories. However, the average specific weight of nichrome is known and is in the range from 8.1 to 8.4 g/cm³.

To simplify calculations, below is a table with the values of the specific weight of nichrome, as well as such an indicator as the weight of nichrome depending on the units of calculation.

Properties of nichrome

Due to high oxidation resistance, good workability, high electrical resistivity and the ability to operate at elevated temperatures, nichrome is often used in the production of heating elements.

Depending on grade, nichrome has an electrical resistivity of about 1.05-1.4 Ohm*mm²/m and a density of 8100-8400 kg/m³. The melting point of most nickel-chromium alloys is roughly 1350-1400 °C. The allowable operating temperature of heating elements depends on grade, wire diameter, environment and cooling conditions; for common nichrome wires it is below the melting point and often around 1000-1200 °C. Specific heat capacity at 25 °C is about 450 J/(kg*K), and tensile strength is roughly 0.65-0.70 GPa.

This type of material has excellent heat resistance, ductility, creep resistance and holds its shape well.

Advantages of nichrome

Nichrome is an expensive group of alloys. In search of savings, it is often replaced by an analogue - fechral. However, the latter is not always able to fully replace nichrome, so their use often depends on the direction of work.

Nichrome has the following advantages:

• A large number of on-off cycles
• Huge ductility at temperatures above 200 °C
• High resistance to oxidation and atmospheric corrosion, but not absolute chemical resistance
• Most high-nickel nickel-chromium grades are non-magnetic or weakly magnetic; properties depend on composition
• High creep resistance
• Good compatibility with fireclay linings and oxide materials in typical heater operating conditions
• Low probability of sagging

Despite the fact that this material is expensive, its reliability and durability will ensure high demand for this type of alloy for a long time.

Application of nichrome

The application of nichrome is extensive, especially in areas where reliability and durability are valued most. The main areas include:

• Use of nichrome for manufacturing heating-type elements
• Use as an alloy resistant to chemical effects, as well as a heat-resistant alloy when working in aggressive environments
• Use for the production of parts resistant to high temperatures, such as rheostats and resistor elements
• Use in thermal spraying as a heat-resistant coating and underlayer
• Use in electronic cigarettes as an evaporator coil