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Kanthal APM Elements for Paragon Kilns
Standard kiln elements from all electric kiln manufacturers are made from Kanthal A1 (a product of Sweden's Sandvik) or equivalent wire that is designed for a maximum temperature performance of up to Cone 10 (2340°F) depending upon the wire gauge (thickness) and design specifications of the element itself. For most customers, the conventional element performs extremely well and may be quite durable. The conventional Kanthal A1 elements may even last decades when only fired to glass temperatures. However, in the presence of some corrosive gases or depleted oxygen atmospheres, the Kanthal A1 wire may suffer premature failure. The depleted oxygen atmospheres are common with home made glazes that are "pushing the envelope" with high concentrations of metallic oxides. Glass artists have similar issues when performing acid etching on glass and failing to properly neutralize and diluting the acid if the ware is to be refired. In some industrial settings, when the kiln may be fired to high sustained temperatures, such as holding for hours or days at a single temperature, the conventional Kanthal A1 elements may suffer significant element fatigue and premature failure. For all of these special situations, Paragon offers Kanthal APM elements.
Kanthal APM elements are an advanced alloy of extruded powdered metal (alloy of powdered metal, hence the APM abbreviation) consisting iron-chromium-aluminum (FeCrAl). APM elements are resistant to many corrosive gases, are rated to perform to approximately 2700°F (much hotter than Cone 10 at 2340°F) and do not incur resistance changes over time from usage like conventional elements. Bottom line, APM elements are far superior to the conventional Kanthal A1 elements. Kanthal APM elements are also extremely expensive with upgrade prices of $300 to $1200+ depending upon kiln design and electrical service versus the cost of conventional Kanthal A1 elements. The good news is that Kanthal APM elements can be retrofitted to any kiln at any time. Fortunately few kiln users will ever need APM elements or can justify the cost of the elements.
As previously noted, APM elements do not incur resistance change over time which means the APM elements have a significantly longer life compared to the conventional kiln elements. Customers that routinely fire to Cone 10, near Cone 10, or have experienced the need to frequently (monthly, weekly, every firing) change elements in their existing kiln due to the glazes they are using, may want to consider adding APM Elements to their kiln. That said, APM elements suffer the same type of element failure as the conventional elements when kiln wash, glaze, clay or other touches the element. Kiln customers should balance the life of the element versus the potential of destroying the element with clay or glaze debris when determining the suitability of APM elements for their particular needs.
| Dogwood Ceramic Supply has removed the APM Elements from our standard kiln pricing options because the price of the APM Elements is dependant upon the electrical configuration of the kiln and only a very small percentage of customers truly need the APM elements. Don't worry, if you are one of those special kiln customers, Dogwood Ceramic Supply can easily compute the price of the elements after we determine the electrical specifications of your new Paragon Kiln. |
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12590 Dedeaux Road
Gulfport Mississippi, 39503
Telephone (228) 831-4848 Fax (228) 831-3111
Showroom Business Hours:
Monday, Tuesday, Friday and Saturday 10AM to 5PM
Thursday 1PM to 6PM
Closed Wednesday and Sunday
Kanthal APM elements are an advanced alloy of extruded powdered metal resistant to many corrosive gases, rated to 2700°F and do not incur resistance changes over time like conventional elements. Bottom line, APM elements are far superior to the conventional Kanthal A1 elements.