Heating element, a system and method for melting materials using said heating element

A method for melting materials during the production of a glass or

• ceramic material, the method comprising:
• providing a system comprising:
• a melt tank having an interior;
• and
• a heating element for positioning within molten materials in the interior of the melt tank, the heating element having:
• a first coupling member coupled to a first side of the interior of the melt tank;
• a second coupling member coupled to a second side of the interior of the melt tank;
• and
• at least two elongate strips extending between the first coupling member and the second coupling member, wherein the at least two elongate strips are integral with the first coupling member and the second coupling member and wherein the at least two elongate strips are spaced apart within the heating element;
• and
• performing a heating operation comprising flowing current between the first coupling member and the second coupling member of the heating element, along the at least two elongate strips to thereby radiate heat to materials located within the interior of the melt tank.