A common name for Nichrome is nickel chrome. Nichrome is famous for its anti-oxidation properties. However, the reason for its increased demand is its high resistance. Nichrome wires are smaller pieces of Nichrome metal. And fortunately, offer a good value of resistance. Owing to their strength and resistance, they have tremendous applications in homes and industries.
The uses of a nichrome wire vary from situation to situation. However, we have collected some common ones below.
Industrial Applications of Nichrome Wires
As A Heating Element
Nichrome has an incredible electrical resistance. Since it’s an electricity insulator, it is a good heat conductor. Therefore, you will find Nichrome wires in most heating appliances. Toasters, hair dyers, and other devices use Nchrome wires to produce heat.
Moreover, industries also use Nichrome in furnaces or places needing more heat. Hot Nichrome wires also work as a material cutter for cutting and shaping softer materials. Industries use Nichrome tips in rubber cutting units because it retains the heat needed for various cutting processes.
For Sculptures
Nichrome wireframes help maintain the shape of the sculptures when placed inside kilns. Glassmakers also use Nichrome wires because it has a good heat conductance and works suitably for shaping art forms.
For Fireworks
Remote operating fireworks use Nichrome wires for ignition. When you press the button, a heating source begins heating the wire. It, in turn, leads to the ignition of the contents in the crackers. When the pressure becomes too strong, it bursts to form different shapes and colors.
For Telecommunication
Telecommunication systems use integrated circuits which heat up during their operation. To prevent this unwanted heat, workers use Nichrome wires to wire the components of the circuits together.
Nichrome has a good power dissipation and noise reduction ability. Therefore, you’ll find it in most power supplies and electrical instruments where efficient use of electrical power is required.
For Flame Testing
Flame application changes Nichrome’s color. Hence, another common application of Nichrome is in flame tests. Nichrome works as a metal indicator in non-illuminated flame tests. It indicates the presence of a specific metal by changing its color.
Mechanical Applications of Nichrome Wires
Nichrome offers an excellent wearing resistance. This resistance makes it an apt choice for use in aircraft engines. Aircraft engine turbines generate a lot of heat that melts most metals in the periodic table. However, Nichrome has a melting point of 1400 Celsius. And, mechanics prefer its use due to its durability and toughness.
In addition, melted Nichrome also serves as a coating material. Its non-corrosive and anti-oxidizing nature makes it great for several engineering projects. One of the most common use is in the making of motorcycle silencers. Nichrome works as a filament in products where a heating source generates energy. Its filament lasts long because its resistance increases as temperature rises.
Lastly, Nichrome wires have their place in microbiological laboratories. They are present in small stoves in the laboratory apparatus.
Conclusion
Nichrome wires have endless applications. However, one might still wonder about their suitability for a specific project. As explained above, they work for hobby forms as well. However, if you plan to connect one to a battery or a heating supply, you must know about the chemical and resistance properties of the metal. But, on the good side, you can use them in DIY fireworks or heat-inducing gadgets.
