Best-in-class alloys for accurate and durable shunt performance

Kanthal offers an extensive range of alloys designed to meet the stringent demands of current sensing resistors for shunt applications. These alloys guarantee unmatched performance, reliability, and accuracy.

Before examining the specific characteristics that make Kanthal® alloys ideal for shunt applications, let's first consider the factors that affect their selection. 

Temperature coefficient of Resistance (TCR) 

A low TCR ensures that the resistance of the shunt remains stable across a wide range of temperatures.  

Resistivity 

High resistivity allows for the design of shunts with appropriate resistance values without requiring large physical sizes. Compact shunt designs are often necessary for space-constrained applications, and high-resistivity materials facilitate this. 

Stability 

Long-term resistance stability ensures consistent performance and reduces the need for frequent recalibration.  

Corrosion resistance 

Corrosion resistance extends the lifespan of the shunt, especially in harsh or variable environmental conditions.  

Oxidation resistance 

High oxidation resistance is necessary for shunts used in high-temperature applications.  

Mechanical strength 

Adequate mechanical robustness ensures durability and reliability under mechanical stress or vibrations.  

Thermal stability 

This enables materials to maintain their properties and structural integrity at varying temperatures. 

Electrical conductivity 

Sufficient electrical conductivity ensures that the shunt can handle the expected current levels without significant power loss.  

List of Kanthal® alloys suitable for shunt applications 

Now that we have identified the properties that ensure accurate, reliable, and durable shunt performance, let us look at the alloys in Kanthal’s repertoire that are suitable for these applications.

Alloys Information Why used in shunts

Manganina 38 (strip)

Manganina 38 is a copper-manganese-nickel alloy (CuMnNi) for use at room temperature. 
  • Low TCR: Ensures that the resistance remains stable across a range of temperatures. 
  • Excellent stability: Maintains consistent performance over time, reducing the need for recalibration. 
  • Corrosion resistance: Enhances longevity and reliability in various environments. 
  • High precision: Suitable for high-precision applications where small changes in resistance can significantly affect measurement accuracy.

Manganina 43 (wire, strip)

Manganina 43 is a copper-manganese-nickel alloy (CuMnNi) for use at room temperature. 
  • Very low TCR: Provides stable resistance even with temperature fluctuations. 
  • Long-term stability: Maintains performance over long periods, minimizing drift in resistance. 
  • Corrosion resistance: Suitable for use in environments where corrosion could be a concern, ensuring durability. 
  •  High accuracy: Ideal for applications where highly accurate current measurements are required. 

Cuprothal® 49TC (wire)

Cuprothal® 49TC is an austenitic copper-nickel alloy (CuNi) for use at temperatures up to 600°C (1,110°F). 
  • Low TCR: Almost negligible temperature coefficient provides stable resistance across temperature changes. 
  • High resistivity: Allows for smaller shunt sizes while still maintaining the necessary resistance values. 
  • Good mechanical properties: Ensures durability and reliability in applications with mechanical stresses. 

Kanthal® D (wire, ribbon, strip)

Kanthal® D is a ferritic iron-chromium-aluminum alloy (FeCrAl) for use at temperatures up to 1,300°C (2,370°F). 
  • High resistivity: Suitable for high-power applications due to its ability to handle higher resistance in smaller sizes. 
  • Oxidation resistance: Ideal for use in harsh environments where oxidation could otherwise degrade the material. 
  • Stability at high temperatures: Ensures that the shunt can operate reliably even under high-temperature conditions. 

Kanthal® A-1 (wire, strip)

Kanthal® A-1 is a ferritic iron-chromium-aluminum alloy (FeCrAl) for use at temperatures up to 1,400°C (2,550°F). 
  • High-temperature stability: Can operate at higher temperatures without significant changes in resistance. 
  • Oxidation and corrosion resistance: Enhances the lifespan of the shunt in harsh environments. 
  • High Resistivity: Supports the creation of high-resistance shunts in compact forms. 

Nikrothal® LX (wire)

Nikrothal® LX is an austenitic nickel-chromium alloy (NiCr) for use at temperatures up to 300°C (570°F). 
  • Excellent mechanical strength: Provides durability in applications with mechanical stress. 
  • Thermal stability: Maintains stable resistance across a wide temperature range. 
  • High resistivity: Allows for effective shunt designs that can measure high currents accurately without requiring large sizes. 

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