Fast heat for fast food: Graphite heating elements can hit high temperatures super fast. This makes them interesting alternatives for ordinary heaters in everything from fast-food ovens to airplane wings. (Electrical/Electronics).(advertisement) From: Machine Design | Date: April 4, 2002| Author: Teschler, Leland | COPYRIGHT 2002 Penton Media, Inc. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan.  All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group.Copyright information

When it comes to getting a lot of heat fast, it looks as though a thin layer of graphite may be better than ordinary heaters made with nichrome wire. This realization may soon transform the construction of heating equipment in areas from fast food to plastic molding, and make practical new capabilities in airplanes and ground vehicles.

The material that is stimulating such speculation is flexible expanded graphite foil, also called vermiform graphite. It is generally lam...