Nichrome Ni80/Cr20 tube, fabricated from the industry-standard 80% nickel, 20% chromium alloy, provides structural and functional solutions for high-temperature applications requiring both mechanical strength and electrical resistivity. This tubular form factor enables unique applications in heating systems, protective sheaths, and specialized industrial processes where the combination of geometry and material properties delivers superior performance.
Material Overview
Ni80/Cr20 tube maintains the bulk alloy's electrical resistivity of 1.08-1.12 μΩ·m and exceptional oxidation resistance to 1150°C, with the tubular geometry providing enhanced structural rigidity and surface area for heat transfer [1]. The tubes are typically produced through seamless extrusion or welding processes, with wall thicknesses ranging from 0.5 mm to several millimeters depending on application requirements. Mechanical properties include tensile strength of 550-750 MPa at room temperature, with good creep resistance maintaining structural integrity during prolonged high-temperature exposure [2]. The material's thermal expansion coefficient of 13-14 × 10−6/°C must be considered in design to accommodate thermal cycling. Excellent corrosion resistance in oxidizing environments and many chemical media extends service life in harsh industrial conditions [3]. The tubular form provides uniform current distribution for resistive heating applications while offering mechanical protection for internal components or fluids.
Applications and Advantages
Nichrome 80/20 tube serves as protective sheaths for thermocouples and heating elements in industrial furnaces, providing mechanical protection while maintaining thermal conductivity [2]. Tubular heating elements utilize the material's resistivity to generate uniform heat distribution in process heating applications, including plastic extrusion dies, hot runner systems, and chemical reactors. The tubes function as structural components in high-temperature fixtures, supports, and frames where oxidation resistance and mechanical stability are essential [4]. Fluid heating applications employ nichrome tubes as immersion heaters for molten salts, oils, and aggressive chemical solutions. Research and laboratory equipment utilize the tubes in custom heating systems, thermal analysis apparatus, and controlled atmosphere furnaces. The tubular geometry enables efficient heat exchanger designs for specialized applications, while the material's electrical conductivity allows electromagnetic shielding functions [3]. Aerospace and industrial gas turbine applications use nichrome tubes as combustor components and flame holders where high-temperature strength and oxidation resistance are critical.
Goodfellow Availability
Goodfellow supplies Nichrome Ni80/Cr20 tube in various diameters and wall thicknesses to meet diverse high-temperature structural and heating applications. Custom dimensions are available to support specialized requirements.
Explore Nichrome Ni80/Cr20 tube and other advanced materials in Goodfellow's online catalogue: Goodfellow product finder.
References
- [1] Davis, J. R. (Ed.). (2000). Nickel, Cobalt, and Their Alloys. ASM International. https://doi.org/10.1361/ncta2000p001
- [2] Lai, G. Y. (2007). High-Temperature Corrosion and Materials Applications. ASM International. https://doi.org/10.1361/hcma2007p001
- [3] Donachie, M. J., & Donachie, S. J. (2002). Superalloys: A Technical Guide (2nd ed.). ASM International. https://doi.org/10.1361/stgs2002p001
- [4] Bhadeshia, H. K. D. H. (2016). Nickel based superalloys. Metallurgical and Materials Transactions A, 47(6), 2479-2492. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11661-016-3456-x