Next-Generation radiant tubes: Efficiency, reliability, and innovation

Too much concentrated heat risks damaging the material, too little compromises the treatment: every industrial furnace lives by balance. Helping to maintain this balance is the radiant tube, an element that works “behind the scenes” but makes all the difference.

Within lines such as continuous annealing and galvanizing (CAL and CGL), the radiant tube plays a key role: transferring heat evenly, safely, and efficiently. Without it, the process would lose stability, consume more energy, and put the quality of the treated material at risk.

In recent years, the metallurgical industry has pushed for increasingly high-performance furnaces: operating temperatures above 1100 °C, higher production volumes, and a focus on energy savings and sustainability. This evolution has led to the move away from traditional cast tubes and the adoption of modern steel sheet radiant tubes, with thicknesses between 3 and 4 mm. The steel sheet radiant tubes offered by Nicro are lighter, more responsive, and more durable than traditional cast tubes, providing a more concrete solution to today’s production demands.

How important are materials?

The choice of alloy is the decisive factor for the reliability of the tube in high-temperature and corrosive environments. For this reason, Nicro’s production is based on a targeted portfolio of high-performance materials:

• Inconel 601 (Werkstoff 2.4851): resistant to oxidation and stable even under the most severe thermal cycles.
• Nicrofer 6025 HT (Werkstoff 2.4633): capable of operating up to 1200 °C, it excels in resistance to creep and metal dusting.
• AISI 310, 309, 309S, and 321: versatile stainless steels that guarantee heat and corrosion resistance as well as excellent weldability.

This range of alloys allows us to design and manufacture custom radiant tubes tailored to the specific operating conditions of each plant.

From Steel Sheet to Radiant Tube: A Production Cycle Under Control

Every radiant tube is born from a simple principle: keeping every stage under control. From the selection of the sheet metal to the finished product, every step takes place in-house. This allows us to shorten lead times, maintain constant quality, and guarantee full traceability.

The process is divided into several stages:

• Laser cutting: three state-of-the-art systems ensure millimetric precision and reduced waste.
• Pressing and bending: thanks to research with the University of Brescia and Ecotre Valente Srl, we have developed dedicated dies for complex bends, such as those in 2P tubes.
• Automated and robotic welding: consistent quality and uniformity even with the most complex geometries (I, U, M, P, and 2P tubes).
• 3D CAD simulation: our technical department virtually analyzes the thermal and mechanical behavior of the tube, giving the customer advance assurance of efficiency.

Measuring Success Beyond Technology

Our radiant tubes deliver technical advantages and have a direct impact on our customers’ daily operations. Their greater thermal responsiveness, combined with the possibility of pairing them with next-generation burners, helps reduce energy consumption and optimize furnace performance. The robustness of the selected materials limits maintenance interventions and minimizes downtime, allowing production continuity even under demanding operating conditions.

All of this translates into a measurable economic return: the initial investment in sheet-metal tubes is offset over time by lower operating costs and higher productivity. Added to this is an increasingly important benefit in today’s market: sustainability. Optimized processes and high-performance materials not only improve efficiency but also help reduce environmental impact, supporting companies in meeting their environmental responsibility goals.

Why Choose Nicro for Radiant Tubes

Buying a radiant tube does not mean simply choosing a component, it means ensuring the stability and efficiency of the entire system. That’s why it is crucial to have a partner who combines advanced materials, technical expertise, and a fully controlled production process.

With experience, cutting-edge technologies, and a customer-oriented approach, Nicro delivers next-generation radiant tubes that ensure high performance, reduced costs, and a concrete contribution to sustainability.

Discover how our radiant tubes can improve the efficiency of your industrial furnace: contact our team for a personalized consultation and visit our dedicated services page.