U-Shape Silicon Carbide (SiC) Heating Elements & Rod Heaters for Industrial Furnaces
Product Overview
Silicon Carbide (SiC) heating elements are premium, non-metallic electric heaters engineered for extreme industrial environments. Manufactured from high-purity silicon carbide, these elements deliver reliable, long-lasting performance as the primary heating source in high-temperature industrial furnaces and kilns, operating within a range of 600°C to 1500°C (1112°F to 2732°F).
Key Advantages
- Exceptional High-Temperature Performance: Stable operation up to 1500°C (2732°F)
- Superior Durability: High-density, slow-aging recrystallized SiC construction for extended service life
- High Efficiency & Fast Heating: Excellent thermal conductivity ensures rapid heat-up times and energy savings
- Versatile Installation: Compatible with vertical or horizontal mounting in various furnace designs
- Easy Maintenance: Standardized designs simplify replacement and reduce downtime
Product Types & Industrial Applications
Standard (SW) Straight Rod Elements
The most versatile and economical type, suitable for a wide range of atmospheres (air or controlled).
- Max Temperature: Up to 1400°C (atmosphere-dependent)
- Installation: Vertical or horizontal mounting
- Typical Use: General-purpose industrial furnaces, ceramics sintering, powder metallurgy
U-Type Silicon Carbide Heating Elements
Consists of two identical SiC rods (each with hot zone and cold ends) connected by a low-resistance SiC bridge, forming a robust "U" shape.
- Advantage: Provides a compact heating zone with two parallel hot surfaces; the connector can also serve as a mounting point
- Typical Use: Compact electric furnaces, laboratory kilns, and applications requiring focused heat in specific patterns
W-Type / 3-Phase Silicon Carbide Elements
Available in SGC (Dumbbell) for vertical installation and SGD (Standard) for horizontal installation. Three high-purity SiC rods connected by a silicon carbide crossbar, designed for direct connection to a three-phase power supply with one-side terminal access.
- Key Feature: Ideal for balanced, high-power heating in large industrial settings
- Typical Use: Float glass bath furnaces, large-scale heat treatment furnaces, and high-capacity kilns
Spiral Silicon Carbide Heating Elements
Available in Single Spiral and Double Spiral configurations, formed from high-grade SiC powder into spiral shapes for larger surface area and enhanced heat radiation.
- Advantage: Excellent for uniform temperature distribution
- Typical Use: Widely used in various high-temperature kilns and furnaces for ceramics, glass, and metal processing
Technical Data & Specifications
| Property |
Value |
Property |
Value |
| Specific Gravity |
2.6 - 2.8 g/cm³ |
Bend Strength |
>300 kg/cm² |
| Hardness (Mohs) |
>9 |
Tensile Strength |
>150 kg/cm² |
| Porosity Rate |
<30% |
Radiance (Emissivity) |
0.85 |
Recommended Surface Load in Various Atmospheres
Critical for element life and furnace design:
| Atmosphere |
Max Furnace Temp. (°C) |
Surface Load (W/cm²) |
Effect on SiC Element |
| Oxygen / Air |
1310 |
3.8 |
Forms protective SiO2 layer (normal oxidation) |
| Nitrogen |
1370 |
3.1 |
May form silicon nitride insulating layer |
| Hydrogen |
1290 |
3.1 |
Can produce methane, damaging SiO2 layer |
| Water Vapor |
1090-1370 |
3.1-3.6 |
May form silicon hydrates |
| Carbon Monoxide |
1370 |
3.8 |
Can deposit carbon, affecting performance |
| Halogen Gases |
704 |
3.8 |
Corrosive, destroys protective layer |
| Ammonia |
1290 |
3.8 |
Can produce methane, damaging SiO2 layer |
Always consult our engineers for specific atmosphere and temperature applications.
Installation, Usage & Safety Guidelines
Proper handling ensures optimal performance and longevity:
- Storage: Keep elements in a dry environment to prevent moisture absorption, which can affect electrical properties
- Group Matching: Before installation, group elements by resistance. Tolerance within ±10% is recommended for even load distribution
- Careful Handling: SiC is hard but brittle. Avoid mechanical impact or stress during installation and maintenance
- Start-Up Procedure: Always use a gradual voltage ramp-up. Avoid immediate full power to prevent thermal shock and excessive current surge
- Replacement Protocol: Replace damaged elements with new ones of similar (or slightly higher) resistance. If multiple elements fail or resistance increases significantly (>20-30%), replace the entire set for balanced operation
Why Partner With Us?
We combine premium raw materials with stringent process control to deliver reliable, high-performance SiC heating solutions. Our technical team provides expert support for selection, custom design, and troubleshooting to maximize your furnace uptime and efficiency.
Contact us today for specifications, custom quotes, and engineering support for your U-Type, W-Type, or standard SiC heating element needs.
