SILICON CARBIDE ELEMENTS

U-Shaped Alpha SIC Rods

U – shaped sic heaters or alpha rods comprises of two carefully matched SIC Rods united with a Thickened Bridge, both terminals from one side of the Furnace. Ideal for drop-through design, radiant tube systems or where one element will not span the heating chamber.

The Low Resistance Ends (LRE) have a high (15:1) electrical resistance ratio to the hot zone section. To provide a low resistance contact surface the first few inches of the cold ends are metallized with aluminium. Just like the other types of heating elements the U shaped SiC rods are held in compression to the ends by stainless steel spring clamps and the connections are made with flat aluminium braids. U Shaped Alpha SiC rods are specified by providing the overall length, the heating section length, the cold end length and the diameter. The U – shaped sic heaters have high density of approximately 2.4gm/cc. This helps in providing a superior performance, high strength and slow aging characteristics.

The U-Shaped Alpha Rod operate at temperatures of up to 1425° C (2600° F). The cold ends of the U-shaped rods restrict the maximum temperature that can be obtained. If higher temperatures are required (above 1425°C), then the cold section of the heating elements must be protected from the furnace temperatures. If the furnace temperature required are higher than 2600°F (1425°C), the cold end section should be protected from the full furnace chamber temperatures.

Silcarb U-Shaped Alpha Rod elements gradually increase in resistance with use. This characteristic is also known as aging. The aging depends on several factors like operating temperature, atmosphere, maintenance techniques, etc. U-Shaped heating element can be mounted in various positions but horizontal and vertical are the most common positions. When the elements are mounted horizontally, the bridge must be supported.

The U – shaped sic heaters are available in different product forms and can be customized to different standard sizes and geometries to suit a variety of heating processes. Contact us for any further details.

Type U element is normally with a straight cold end. Dumbbell cold end are also available (For Dimensions, Resistance, Kindly Contact us):

U-Shaped Alpha Silicon Carbide Rods are designed for applications where single-ended electrical access is required and where straight heating elements cannot span the furnace chamber. The thickened bridge design ensures mechanical stability, while the matched alpha silicon carbide rods provide uniform heating across the hot zone. The high-density structure contributes to superior strength, controlled aging, and consistent electrical performance under continuous high-temperature operation.

KEY SPECIFICATIONS

MAXIMUM TEMPERATURE

1425°C (2600°F)

MATERIAL

Alpha Silicon Carbide

CONFIGURATION

U-Shaped, Single-Ended Terminals

APPLICATIONS

Industrial Furnaces

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Applications

U-Shaped Alpha SIC Rods are widely used in industrial electric furnaces where access is limited to one side of the furnace chamber or where drop-through and radiant tube designs are required. These heating elements are commonly employed in ceramic kilns, glass furnaces, heat treatment furnaces, powder metallurgy furnaces, and laboratory furnaces.

Their U-shaped configuration allows for efficient installation in compact furnace layouts, while the controlled hot-to-cold resistance ratio ensures heat is concentrated in the working zone. The design makes these elements particularly suitable for applications requiring reliable heating, easy maintenance, and long service life in high-temperature environments.