WEET CR Series Carbon Film Resistor 1W 2WS 2W 3WS 3W 5WS

The difference between metal film resistors and carbon film resistors

1. Temperature coefficient

Carbon film resistor: has a negative temperature coefficient, meaning that as the temperature increases, the resistance value will slightly decrease.

Metal film resistance: It has a small positive temperature coefficient, which means that as the temperature increases, the resistance value will slightly increase. But compared to carbon film resistors, their temperature coefficient is usually smaller, so they can maintain better stability over a wide temperature range.

2. Accuracy

Carbon film resistor: The accuracy is generally not very high, but it can reach a certain level and usually meet the needs of most general electronic circuits. However, due to differences in production processes, there may be some fluctuations in the accuracy of carbon film resistors.

Metal film resistor: The accuracy is usually higher than that of carbon film resistor. The manufacturing process and materials of metal film resistors can provide more accurate resistance values, making them suitable for circuit designs that require high resistance values.

3. Appearance and color

Carbon film resistor: The appearance is mostly earthy yellow or pink, and the protective film color is usually black.

Metal film resistor: The appearance is mostly blue, and the protective film color is usually bright white.

4. Application scenarios

Carbon film resistor: Due to its low cost and relatively easy production process control, it is widely used in various electronic devices and circuits, such as amplifiers, filters, sensors, power supplies, etc. However, due to its relatively poor impact resistance, it is not recommended for use as a starting resistor.

Metal film resistors: Due to their high precision, good stability, small size, and low cost (although the unit price is higher than carbon film resistors, their superior comprehensive performance makes the overall cost low), they are widely used in wireless electronic devices, especially in applications that require higher precision, such as precision instruments, testing equipment, communication systems, computer hardware, etc.

5. Manufacturing process

Carbon film resistor: made by coating a layer of carbon film on a ceramic, glass, or metal substrate. The thickness and shape of the carbon film can be adjusted as needed to achieve different resistance values.

Metal film resistor: made by forming a layer of metal film on a ceramic tube frame using vacuum evaporation or sintering infiltration method. This layer of metal film is attached to the surface of the white ceramic, and after cutting and adjusting the resistance value, a more precise resistor is obtained.

In summary, there are significant differences between metal film resistors and carbon film resistors in terms of temperature coefficient, accuracy, appearance and color, application scenarios, and manufacturing processes. The choice of which type of resistor depends on specific application requirements and circuit design requirements.