What is I Squared R?
I Squared R is the name of my company, which is based in Akron, in the northeast corner of Erie County, New York. I founded the company in 1964 with Stan Matys. Using our experiences in sales and research, we steadily grew to become the largest U.S. manufacturer of silicon carbide heating elements, and we are the only domestic manufacturer of high quality molybdenum disilicide heating elements.
"I Squared R" refers to part of Joule’s First Law, named for James Prescott Joule, an English physicist. Joule defined and expressed the relationship between the heat generated by current flowing through a conductor, which is expressed as:
Q = I2 · R · t
Q is the heat generated by a constant current (I) passing through a conductor of electrical resistance (R), for a time (t). When current, resistance and time are expressed in amperes, ohms, and seconds respectively, the unit of Q is the joule.
So think of a toaster, a space heater, or electric blanket or heating pad. Those are all examples of the science of Joule’s Law, where electric current passes through a conductor with enough resistance to generate safe levels of heat for everyday conveniences.
I Squared R manufactures heating elements with much greater levels of heat involved. We manufacture heating elements that range in size from three inches to twelve feet in length, and from three eighths to three inches in diameter. We take little more than sand and energy and transform it into products that we sell around the world.
- We sell heating elements to First Solar in Toledo, Ohio, which uses them to manufacture solar panels as part of the new and green economy.
- We sell heating elements to GM and their suppliers, which use them forge their die cast automotive components and parts for their assembly lines.
- We sell heating elements to Corning – a great New York company – which uses them to manufacture the fiber optic cable that is used to “power” the Internet. Corning also uses our elements on their flat glass line, which produces flat screen televisions, computer screens, cell phones, and PDA’s – all components of the new economy.
- We sell heating elements that end up in range ovens, domestic furnaces, hot water heaters, and clothes dryers. Chances are if you have a Whirlpool or Maytag appliance in your home or building, if you popped it open there would be a little I Squared R heating element inside.
I am proud of the good people who come to work every day, I am proud that we manufacture a quality product and enjoy the respect of our clients and partners, and I am especially proud to tell you that our products are MADE IN AMERICA.