Main Resistor Types

Carbon film resistors

• Construction: A carbon resistor is baked onto a ceramic rod, after which a helical groove is cut into it to create the desired resistance value. Metal caps with wire leads are embedded in both ends, and the resistor is coated with a protective coating for insulation.
• Characteristics: The most common and inexpensive type of resistor.
• Application: General electronic circuits.

Metal film resistors

• Construction: A metal film is deposited or sintered onto a ceramic rod, after which a helical groove is cut into it to create the desired resistance value. Metal caps with wire leads are embedded in both ends, and the resistor is coated with a protective coating.
• Characteristics: Low temperature coefficient, good accuracy.
• Application: General electronic circuits requiring accuracy.

Metal oxide film resistors

• Construction: A metal oxide film is deposited or sintered onto a ceramic rod, after which a helical groove is cut into it to create the desired resistance value. Metal caps with wire leads are embedded in both ends, and the resistor is coated with a protective coating.
• Characteristics: Can handle a large amount of power for its shape.
  Properties between those of carbon film resistors and metal film resistors.
• Application: Medium-power circuits.

Wirewound resistors

• Construction: A resistance wire (manganin wire, nichrome wire, etc.) is wound onto a ceramic rod. The resistance value is adjusted with the type of wire and number of coils.
• Characteristics: High power with low resistance. Low temperature coefficient and good accuracy.
• Application: General power circuits. High-accuracy power circuits.

Vitreous enamel resistors

• Construction: A resistance wire is wound onto a ceramic pipe, on top of which a vitreous enamel film is formed.
• Characteristics: Can withstand high temperatures, so can handle a large amount of power.
• Application: High-power circuits.

Cement resistors

• Construction: A wirewound or metal oxide film resistance unit is inserted into a ceramic case, which is then sealed with silicon resin (cement).
• Characteristics: It is covered by a nonflammable case, so it will not ignite even under high temperatures.
• Application: Medium-power circuits.