What’s the differences between Silicon Carbide Heating Elements and Moly Disilicide Heating Elements

Silicon Carbide Heating Elements:

- Silicon Carbide elements cost about half that of Moly Disilicide elements.
- They have only about 2/3 the life expectancy of Moly Disilicide elements.
- Compering heat dispersion between the two is irrelevant because ceramic sagger trays average the heat all around the work product.
- Silicon Carbide heaters costs less to drive the furnace electrically.

Moly Disilicide Heating Elements:

- “Moly” heaters are about twice the price of Silicon Carbide ones.
- They offer 1/3 to ½ more life expectancy than Silicon Carbide ones.
- Heat dispersion is irrelevant due to the ceramic sagger trays which totally saturate and average the heat all around the work product.
- “Molys” are significantly more expensive to drive electrically. They require either a massive step down transformer (very heavy & expensive) OR a special DC power supply which is lighter in weight, just as expensive, and possibly less reliable.

So there are the differences. Both work. Both offer advantages over the other. Both offer disadvantages over the other. So, as is often the case, before purchasing, you should do some research to determine which of the heater types best fits your lab’s needs.