Manufactured to perform in the widest high temperature range, KANTHAL Globar Silicon Carbide (SiC) electric heating elements are extremely versatile heating elements. It can be manufactured in straight, spiraled, single or multi-shank designs for a broad range of applications including heat treatment, melting, and sintering. Made of semiconductor material, its resistivity is much higher than metallic resistance materials. Resistivity decreases with increasing temperature and reaches a minimum at 600 - 900 °C. However, for temperatures above 900°C, resistivity increases with rising temperatures. It can be used in the temperature range of 600 - 1600 °C, in both air and controlled atmospheres. Resistance of silicon carbide heating elements increases during their life in operation; hence a variable voltage supply may be needed during long duration operation. To optimize heating element life, the right element should be selected with element surface loading as low as possible. As the heating material remains rigid, even at max temperatures, no special supports are required for their installation in either horizontal or vertical direction. Higher electrical loadings are acceptable without disturbing the heat process and performance. Hence great savings in cost are possible with minimum maintenance. Also elements can be easily replaced without the need of a shutdown. Generally available in the form of round rods or tubes, customized heaters are also available for replacement purposes. Constructed with the conventional central hot zone and two cold ends, they are available in diameters from 10 mm to 55 mm.