Cr20Ni80 Nickel-Chromium Resistance Wire
Also Known As: Nichrome V, Tophet A, Alloy A, Brightray C, Cronix 80, Nikrothal 8, Chromalloy, Chromel A, and Gilphy 80, N8, HAI-NiCr 80, Resistohm 80, Protoloy, MWS-650, Stablohm 650
Max. 1200°C| Chemical Composition (%) | |
|---|---|
| Element | Value |
| C | ≤0.08 |
| P | ≤0.02 |
| S | ≤0.015 |
| Mn | ≤0.6 |
| Si | 0.75~1.6 |
| Cr | 20.0~23.0 |
| Ni | Remainder |
| Al | ≤0.5 |
| Fe | ≤1.0 |
| Physical Properties | |
| Max. Operating Temp. | 1200°C |
| Resistivity at 20°C (μΩ·m) | <0.50mm: 1.09±0.05; 0.5–3.0mm: 1.13±0.05; >3.0mm: 1.14±0.05 |
| Density | 8.40 g/cm³ |
| Thermal Conductivity (20°C) | 15 W/(m·K) |
| Linear Expansion Coeff. (20–1000°C) | 18.0×10-6/K |
| Specific Heat Capacity | 0.46 J/(g·K) |
| Approx. Melting Point | 1400°C |
| Elongation (A/%) | ≤3.0mm: ≥20%; >3.0mm: ≥25% |
| Tensile Strength (Rm) | ≥650 MPa |
| Accelerated Life Test | ≥80h/1200°C |
| Microstructure | Austenite |
| Magnetic Properties | Nonmagnetic |
| Available Forms | |
| Form | Size |
| Bright & Soft Annealed Wire | 0.025–1.6mm |
| Acid-Pickled Wire | 1.0–12.0mm |
| Rods | 6.0–150.0mm |
| Flat Wires | Width 0.2–6.0mm, Thickness 0.08–1.0mm |
| Strips | Width 5.0–300mm, Thickness 0.05–4.0mm |
What Is Cr20Ni80 Nickel-Chromium Resistance Wire?
Cr20Ni80 is a nickel-chromium (NiCr) resistance heating alloy containing about 80% nickel and 20% chromium, with a maximum continuous operating temperature of 1200°C and a resistivity of 1.09–1.14 μΩ·m at 20°C. It is supplied as round wire (0.025–12.0 mm), rod (6.0–150.0 mm), flat wire and strip, and is used mainly for industrial furnace heating elements, household appliance heaters and laboratory furnaces.
With an optimal balance of nickel and chromium, Cr20Ni80 offers outstanding high-temperature strength, excellent oxidation resistance, and highly stable resistivity over repeated heating cycles — which is why it is the most widely specified NiCr grade in the heating industry.
Key Advantages
- Excellent oxidation resistance at high temperatures
- Stable resistance value over repeated heating cycles
- Good formability and weldability
- Long service life even under demanding conditions
Typical Applications
- Industrial furnace heating elements
- Household appliance heating coils
- Ceramic and glass manufacturing equipment
- Laboratory furnace elements
- Plastic molding and packaging machinery
Cr20Ni80 vs Cr15Ni60 vs Cr30Ni70 vs Cr20Ni35 — Which NiCr Grade Should You Choose?
All four grades are nickel-chromium resistance heating alloys and are interchangeable in many applications. The choice depends on the required operating temperature, the resistivity needed for a given element geometry, and the price sensitivity of the project. The table below summarizes the key parameters published on our grade pages.
| Parameter | Cr20Ni80 | Cr30Ni70 | Cr15Ni60 | Cr20Ni35 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nickel content (%) | Remainder (~80) | Remainder (~70) | 55.0–61.0 | 34.0–37.0 |
| Chromium content (%) | 20.0–23.0 | 28.0–31.0 | 15.0–18.0 | 18.0–21.0 |
| Max. operating temp. | 1200°C | 1250°C | 1150°C | 1100°C |
| Resistivity at 20°C (μΩ·m) | 1.09–1.14 | 1.18–1.20 | 1.12–1.15 | 1.04 |
| Density (g/cm³) | 8.40 | 8.10 | 8.20 | 7.90 |
| Relative price level | High | Highest | Medium | Lowest |
| Typical use | Furnace elements, appliance heaters | Oxidation resistance above 1200°C | Cost-effective mid-temperature heating | Low-temperature, price-driven heating |
Rule of thumb: choose Cr20Ni80 when the element runs continuously at or below 1200°C and you need the best combination of service life and formability; step up to Cr30Ni70 for the highest oxidation resistance above 1200°C; use Cr15Ni60 for a lower-cost mid-temperature element; and select Cr20Ni35 / Cr20Ni30 when the working temperature stays below 1100°C and price is the primary constraint.
Standards & Compliance
GB/T 1234-2012
High Resistance Alloys
DIN 17471
Resistance Heating Alloys (German Standard)
ASTM B344
Nickel-Chromium and Nickel-Chromium-Iron Alloys for Electrical Heating Elements (US Standard)
ASTM B603
Iron-Chromium-Aluminum Alloys for Electrical Heating Elements (US Standard)
Related Products
Other NiCr wire grades you may be interested in
Cr20Ni80 — Frequently Asked Questions
What is the equivalent grade of Cr20Ni80 in ASTM and DIN standards?
Cr20Ni80 corresponds to ASTM B344 NiCr 80/20 and to DIN 17471 NiCr 8020, and is covered by GB/T 1234-2012 in China. Commercially it is also known as Nichrome V, Tophet A, Brightray C, Nikrothal 8, N8 and HAI-NiCr 80.
What is the maximum operating temperature of Cr20Ni80?
The maximum continuous operating temperature is 1200°C in air. The accelerated life test requirement is at least 80 hours at 1200°C.
What is the difference between Cr20Ni80 and Cr15Ni60?
Cr20Ni80 contains about 80% nickel and reaches 1200°C, while Cr15Ni60 contains 55–61% nickel and reaches 1150°C. Cr20Ni80 offers better oxidation resistance and longer life at high temperature; Cr15Ni60 is less expensive because of its lower nickel content and is preferred for mid-temperature, cost-sensitive elements.
What sizes of Cr20Ni80 wire can you supply?
Bright and soft annealed wire 0.025–1.6 mm, acid-pickled wire 1.0–12.0 mm, rods 6.0–150.0 mm, flat wire 0.2–6.0 mm wide × 0.08–1.0 mm thick, and strip 5.0–300 mm wide × 0.05–4.0 mm thick.
Do you provide a test report and datasheet for Cr20Ni80?
Yes. Every shipment is supplied with a mill test report covering chemical composition and physical properties, and an English datasheet can be downloaded above. OEM diameters, spool sizes and custom packaging are supported.