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Nichrome

Nichrome is a family of nickel-chromium alloys known for their use in electrical heating elements. These alloys are designed to have relatively high electrical resistivity, good oxidation resistance at elevated temperatures, and the mechanical strength needed for thin wires and foils.

Commercial grades typically contain a major portion of nickel and chromium, with about 20% to 40% chromium

Nichrome is commonly supplied as wire, ribbon, or foil and is often used in coils for heating

Applications and use cases include household heating elements found in toasters, electric irons, ovens, hair dryers,

and
the
balance
nickel,
sometimes
with
small
additions
of
iron
or
other
elements
to
tailor
strength
and
ductility.
The
resistivity
of
Nichrome
is
higher
than
that
of
copper,
and
it
increases
with
temperature,
a
property
called
a
positive
temperature
coefficient
of
resistance.
Nichrome
alloys
have
high
melting
points
and
can
operate
at
high
temperatures
in
air,
partly
due
to
the
protective
chromium
oxide
layer
that
forms
on
the
surface.
elements.
The
material
is
processed
and
annealed
to
balance
electrical
resistance
with
mechanical
flexibility,
enabling
it
to
be
wound
into
compact
elements
for
appliances
and
industrial
equipment.
and
soldering
irons,
as
well
as
radiant
heaters
and
industrial
furnaces.
Nichrome
elements
are
valued
for
maintaining
structural
integrity
and
a
predictable
resistance
over
long
periods
of
high-temperature
service,
along
with
relatively
good
oxidation
resistance
compared
with
pure
metals.