Incoloy 800 Alloy vs Copper Heating Element – What's the Difference
The main difference lies in the fact that copper heating elements are favored for their high thermal conductivity and corrosion resistance in liquids such as water, while Incoloy 800 heating elements are suitable for high-temperature applications requiring extremely high oxidation and corrosion resistance, such as industrial furnaces. Copper excels in rapidly and efficiently heating liquids, while Incoloy performs exceptionally well in extreme high-temperature environments with lower thermal conductivity.
What is the heat treatment process for Alloy 800?
The heat treatment temperature for 800H/800HT alloys is typically in the range of 2050-2150°F (1121-1177°C). In addition to softening the material after forming, another purpose of this heat treatment is to form larger grains, thereby improving the material's creep resistance and stress fracture resistance.
Comparison: Incoloy 800 vs. Copper
| Feature | Incoloy 800 | Copper |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Use | High-temperature, harsh environments | Liquid heating (water) |
| Key Advantage | Excellent oxidation and corrosion resistance at high temperatures | Superior thermal conductivity for fast heating |
| Composition | Iron-nickel-chromium alloy | Pure copper |
| Application | Industrial furnaces, heat treatment equipment | Water heaters, electrical appliances |
| Thermal Conductivity | Moderate | High |
Differences between Incoloy 800 and Copper Heating Elements
Material Properties
Incoloy 800 is a nickel-chromium alloy with extremely high oxidation resistance, corrosion resistance, and high-temperature resistance. It is a popular choice for high-temperature applications, especially in situations requiring resistance to stress corrosion cracking, such as chemical and petrochemical processing equipment, power plants, and heat treatment furnaces. Copper, on the other hand, is a good thermal and electrical conductor with excellent ductility and thermal conductivity. It is commonly used in wires, pipes, and heat exchangers.
Efficiency and Energy Consumption
Incoloy 800 has a higher resistivity than copper, meaning it has a higher resistance and requires more power to generate the same amount of heat. However, this also means it can be used at higher temperatures without damage, making it more energy-efficient in high-temperature applications. Copper has a lower resistivity, requiring less power to generate heat, but its efficiency at high temperatures is lower than that of Incoloy 800.
When to Choose Incoloy 800
High Temperature Resistance: Suitable for applications requiring heating elements to maintain stable performance at extreme temperatures.
Harsh Environments: Incoloy 800 performs excellently in environments where other materials may corrode or oxidize, such as industrial processing.
Strength: Maintains high mechanical strength even at high temperatures.
When to Choose Copper
Liquid Heating: Copper's high thermal conductivity allows for efficient and rapid heating of liquids such as water.
Corrosion Resistance (in water): Copper's natural corrosion resistance makes it ideal for domestic water heaters.
Energy Efficiency: Copper's excellent heat transfer properties enable more energy-efficient operation in certain applications.
Why Choose Gnee Nickel Alloy (Supplier Example)?
✅ Large stock of Incoloy alloy tubes/bars/plates/fittings/coils, fast shipping.
✅ Factory direct sales, highly competitive prices, excellent value for money.
✅ Comprehensive quality assurance: Material Testing Certificate (MTC), chemical composition certificate, and mechanical property certificate.
✅ Value-added services: slitting, cutting, polishing, surface treatment.
✅ Worldwide shipping, secure and reliable packaging, and provision of export-required documents.
Email: ss@gneemetal.com
Gnee Steel is a supplier of Incoloy 800 alloy, offering a wide range of products including: seamless pipe (sizes: 4-219 mm; thickness: 0.5-20 mm); welded pipe (sizes: 5.0-1219.2 mm; thickness: 0.5-20 mm); plates (thickness: 0.1 to 100 mm; width: 10-2500 mm); strips; alloy round bars (diameter: 3-800 mm); flat bars (thickness: 2-100 mm; width: 10-500 mm); hexagonal bars (size: 2-100 mm); wire rods; and extruded profiles. We collaborate with steel mills to provide our customers with Incoloy 800 alloy products that meet or exceed numerous leading industry standards, including ASTM, ASME, SAE, AMS, ISO, DIN, EN, and BS standards.
Gnee Steel stocks and sells Incoloy 800, pipes, plates, strips, round bars, flat bars, forged billets, hexagonal steel, wire rods, and extruded profiles. Please feel free to contact us at ss@gneesteel.com for a quote.
