FeCrAl (Iron-Chromium-Aluminium)

FeCrAl – a family of iron-chromium-aluminium alloys used in a wide range of resistance and high-temperature applications. The alloys are known for their ability to withstand high temperatures (up to 1400°C (2550°F)) and having intermediate electric resistance (1,20 – 1,50 Ω·m).

Typical applications for FeCrAl alloys are electrical heating elements in high-temperature furnaces for heat treatment, ceramics, glass, steel, and electronics industries.

Among the advantages of fechral the following can be noted:

• high operating temperature;

Ferritic alloys FeCrAl can be used in average up to 1400°C while austenitic alloys NiCr have maximum operating temperature up to 1250°C.

• high resistivity;

The resistivity of FeCrAl alloys is higher than NiCr alloys. This makes it possible to choose the materials with larger cross-section thereby prolonging the life of the elements. Considerable weight savings can be obtained especially in the applications of thin wire – the higher resistivity the less materials are used. Also, the resistivity of FeCrAl alloys is less affected by cold working and heat processing comparing to NiCr alloys.

• longer life;

FeCrAl alloys can be used from 2 to 4 times longer than NiCr alloys being operated at the same temperature in the atmosphere.

• higher surface load;

Higher operating temperature and longer life of FeCrAl alloys ensure the capabilities to sustain high surface load.

• low weight & low cost;

The weight of FeCrAl alloys is lower than NiCr alloys. Due to the fact that FeCrAl alloys do not include nickel its price is lower than for NiCr alloys. As a result in a great number of applications considerable savings in weight and elements cost can be achieved.

• perfect oxidation properties;

The aluminum oxide (Al2O3 ) generated on the surface of FeCrAl alloys has better adhesion properties and therefore less contaminating. It is an excellent antioxidant, diffusion barrier, electrical insulator and has better carburization resistance than the chromium oxide (Cr2O3) generated on the surface of NiCr alloys.

• sulfur resistance;

FeCrAl alloys can resist corrosion for atmospheres and materials contaminated with sulphur or sulfur compounds. NiCr alloys are subject to heavy erosion under such conditions.