Heating element development history and trends

Heating elements have a long history and are closely related to the development of science and technology, especially in the field of electricity. From their humble beginnings to today's sophisticated designs and applications, electric heating elements continue to play an important role in all aspects of industry.

In 1841, James Joule discovered Joule's Law, which explains the relationship between electric current, resistance and heat. This discovery laid the foundation for the development of electric heating elements. 

In 1859, Edward Simpson of the United Kingdom invented the world's first electric heating element, which was made of metal wires wound in a metal tube, with metal wires covered with ceramic insulating material as a heater, but at that time, the process equipment was not advanced, and there was no suitable resistor wires, but only iron wires with a very small electrical resistivity, so this invention could not be applied.

In 1910, the United States successfully produced high-temperature resistance, high resistivity nickel-chromium alloy and better performance of inorganic insulating materials, promoting the progress of electric heating elements.

In 1918, the U.S. General Electric Company obtained a patent for a heating element design that utilized a heating wire inside a metal tube and powdered insulating materials. 

In the 1950s, manufacturing technology became more advanced, supporting the production of cheaper and more efficient electric heating elements.

Then in the mid-20th century, Bulten Kanthal and Oakley popularized electric heating elements worldwide.

Since then, electric heating elements have continued to evolve with a variety of designs and applications, such as industrial ovens, tank heaters and other industrial equipment.

Trends in Heating Elements

The global heating element market is expected to grow at a considerable rate during the forecast period of 2024 to 2032.The market is expected to grow at a steady rate in 2022, with the increasing adoption of strategies by the major players during the forecast period.The global heating element market is expected to grow at a steady rate in 2022, with the increasing adoption of strategies by the major players during the forecast period.

A heating element is a heating device that converts electrical energy into thermal energy through a resistive or Joule heating process. The current passing through the element encounters resistance, which causes the element to heat up. Unlike the Peltier effect, the process is independent of the direction of current flow.

The global heating element market size is projected to grow from USD 9,562.1 million in 2022 to USD 12,590.0 million by 2032, at a CAGR of 4.7% from 2024 to 2032.

Global core heating element manufacturers include Zoppas Industries, NIBE Industrier AB, Watlow (Tinicum), and others. The top five companies hold around 25% share. Geographically, China holds about 40% of the global market share, followed by Europe with about 30%. In terms of type, the tubular heater segment holds a significant share of more than 20%. In terms of application, the appliance segment accounts for more than 30% of the total share.

What are the factors driving the growth of the heating elements market?

The growth of heating elements is directly impacted by the increasing demand for the following applications globally

Chemical

Pharmaceutical industry

Transportation

Appliances

Others

What are the types of heating elements available in the market?

On the basis of product type, the market is segmented into the following types, which accounted for the largest share of the heating element market in 2024.

Immersion heaters

Tubular Heaters

Circulation heaters

Band Heaters

Band Heaters

Coil Heaters

Flexible Heaters

Other Types

Which Regions Lead the Heating Element Market?

North America (U.S., Canada, and Mexico)

Europe (Germany, U.K., France, Italy, Russia, and Turkey, among others)

Asia Pacific (China, Japan, Korea, India, Australia, Indonesia, Thailand, Philippines, Malaysia, and Vietnam)

South America (Brazil, Argentina, Colombia, etc.)

Middle East and Africa (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt, Nigeria and South Africa)