The Arklay S. Richards Co., Inc. offers two types of Nichrome Heater Wire. The Richards NWA or Type A Nichrome Heater Wire has a composition of 80% Nickel and 20% Chromium. In addition, the Type A wire has a lower temperature coefficient of resistance in comparison to the Type C Nichrome Wire. The Type A Nichrome Wire has a high temperature range up to 1150°C or 2100°F.

Richards NWC or Type C Nichrome Heater Wire has a compositon of 60% Nickel, 16% Chromium, and the balance of 24% Iron. Type C wire has a maximum temperature range up to 1000°C or 1850°F. It also has a higher coefficient of resistance in comparison to the Type A wire. Both types of Nichrome wire have excellent corrosion resistance.

The Type C Nichrome wire is very useful in applications where a high resistance is required within a limited space. Heating and technical applications typically use the Type A heater wire. Most hot knife equipment also use Type A Nichrome wire. The Type A and Type C Nichrome wires are both available in large or small spool sizes, or coils. Richards can also produce wire straight and cut to length.