Heating aluminium by kanthal wire?
Hi friends, I want to heat a aluminum rod by kanthal wire. I want to wrap the wire directly only aluminum rod(it means the wire and rod touches). I want to know, is it possible or the contact between these materials make short circuit? Please answer for it.
Discussions
Best Answer 3 years ago
I have made a few kilns over the yeras and when it comes to electricity the Nichrome or Kanthal wire will cause a short.
It is true that you get an insulating oxide layer on both of them but:
On the aluminium it will disappear at over 500° and on the wire it is so thin that a slight touch will cuase a short.
To properly use the wire it is best to have it coiled up for better heat and longer life - once heated up the wire becomes very brittle!
3 years ago
How hot ?
Answer 3 years ago
i want to heat it to 600c. Is it create a short circuit?
Answer 3 years ago
Your going to be very close to the melting point depending on the aluminium alloy.
I would insulate between them.
Answer 3 years ago
Thanks my friend
Answer 3 years ago
Too close, 616 for 6063 aluminium
3 years ago
I would expect a short circuit to occur, but I don't know for sure what would happen.
Both those materials, aluminum and Kanthal(r) are rumored to have a layer of oxide on the outside. But I don't know if those layers are thick enough to prevent conduction from happening.
If you can find some fiberglass cloth,
https://www.google.com/search?hl=en&site=imghp&tbm...
like the same stuff used for patching holes in cars, and hot tubs, and such, I think a layer of this fiberglass cloth would serve as electrical insulator, and be thin enough for good heat conduction, and withstand burning hot temperatures too.