Melting Point and Conductivity

• The main use of nichrome wire is for heat transfer. Thermal conductivity is therefore arguably the most important property of the wire. Nichrome's melting point is 2,552 degrees Fahrenheit, with thermal conductivity measured at 11.3 watts per meter. This makes Nichrome wire exceedingly difficult to accidentally deform at high temperatures, while transferring a high amount of heat.
  
  

Heat Capacity

• Nichrome wire's high melting point means it can take longer to reach its ideal operating temperature. Heat capacity measures how much heat it takes for the affected element to reach a certain temperature. This makes it easier to regulate by the device it is used in. Heat capacity of this alloy is measured at 450 kiloJoules, at average room temperature.
  
  

Density

• Nichrome wire possesses a basic density of 8,400 cubic kilograms per meter. Since density is an important measurement as it relates to heat transfer because it relates to temperature and pressure, manufacturers and users of the wire as heating or thermal dissipation coils factor this when deciding which type of wire to use. Nichrome's relatively high displacement makes it ideal for thermal uses.
  
  

Thermal Expansion

• Given that heating coil wires are tightly arranged to increase total surface area, thermal expansion is a critical property to examine by engineers when deciding to use the alloy. Nichrome's increase in surface area relative to temperature is measured 14 --- 10'6, using Celsius as the measuring unit.