What type of heating elements are most often formed into coils?

The most commonly formed heating elements into coils are open wire heating elements. These elements utilize bare resistance wire, typically made from materials like nickel-chromium, which allows for effective resistance heating. When fashioned into coils, the open wire design facilitates excellent heat transfer and allows airflow around the wire, improving efficiency and performance. The coiling increases the surface area, helping the heat to distribute evenly and preventing hotspots.

The application of open wire coil heating elements is prevalent in various heating systems, including space heaters, toasters, and industrial applications. Their ability to heat quickly and provide concentrated heat makes them a favored choice in many situations. Other types, such as closed wire or flat ribbon heating elements, have different applications and may not be as suited for coiling, mainly due to their design and the specific properties they provide. Additionally, carbon fiber heating elements typically serve in specialized applications, where flexibility and lightweight are more critical than the targeted heating applications offered by open wire coils.