Resistive Elements for Potentiometers and Sensors

Custom-built. Performance-focused. Cost-controlled.

10M+ life cycles, ±0.1% linearity, 200 ppm/°C TCR, low noise, with MIL-PRF-39023 support when required.

Spec confirmation → sample validation → small-batch scale-up/delivery

Typical sample lead time: around 25 days

Need stable resistive elements with long life and low TCR?

Resistive elements are essential parts of potentiometers, providing the resistive tracks used for voltage adjustment and position sensing.
At NOLELC, we improve resistive elements through material adjustment, process validation, and production feedback.
For some applications, we can offer high-performance carbon-film elements as an alternative to conductive-plastic elements, providing similar stability with better cost control.

NOLELC’s manufacturing capabilities and achievable performance for film resistive elements.
Material	Cycle Life (Upper Limit)	TCR (ppm/°C)	Operating Temperature (°C)	Linearity	Materials and Manufacturing Features	Main Advantage	Laser Trimming
Carbon Film	Approx. 5 million cycles	Approx. 200–300	−55 to +150	Typical linearity: ±0.25% Tighter tolerances are available on request.	Carbon-based resistive paste is screen-printed to form the track. Substrate options include FR4, phenolic boards, and flexible PI films, supporting rigid or flexible structures.	Best cost-performance balance	Supported
Conductive Plastic	Approx. 10 million cycles	Approx. 100–200	−45 to +125		Carbon remains the main conductive material, with phenolic substrates commonly used. Spray coating is followed by hot pressing to achieve the highest surface smoothness among these three types.	Longest cycle life
Cermet Film	Approx. 2 million cycles	Approx. 100	−55 to +220		Conductive materials are combined with an inorganic glass binder and fired at high temperature to form a resistive film, typically on a ceramic substrate. Also known as a vitreous enamel resistive film.	Best temperature stability

Conductive Plastic Resistance Elements

Conductive plastic elements provide low-noise, long-life position feedback for frequent movement, including servo actuators, industrial control mechanisms, and rotary or linear position sensors. Custom rotary, linear, and multi-track configurations are available, along with matching precious metal wipers.

Carbon Film Resistance Elements (Resistive PCB / Carbon Film Printing)

Carbon film elements use FR4, phenolic boards, or flexible PI films for rotary or linear position sensing and components with integrated connection circuits. Advances in manufacturing allow them to replace some conductive plastic elements where accuracy and stability requirements permit, although sliding life generally remains shorter.

Cermet Film Resistance Elements

Cermet elements suit applications requiring temperature stability and long-term resistance stability, including instrument adjustment, industrial controls, and liquid-level sensing. Typically manufactured on ceramic substrates, they are available in arc, ring, linear, and multi-track configurations.

Thick-Film & Hybrid Circuits

Thick-film and hybrid circuits integrate resistive tracks, conductive traces, and other circuit functions on one substrate for automotive throttle and pedal position sensors, industrial position sensing, and custom electronic components. Substrate, printing, and assembly requirements can be reviewed against your drawings.

Worried About Unreliable Quality from a Manufacturer?

The sample test report below shows the test items, conditions, and measured performance of our conductive plastic resistive elements for heavy-duty industrial applications.

Sample ID	Total Resistance	Linearity Trimming Machine	Linearity Test Equipment	Contact Resistance	Output Smoothness	Contact Resistance Variation (CRV)	Effective Electrical Travel	TCR at −70°C (ppm/°C)	TCR at +125°C (ppm/°C)
1-2	10594	0.49	0.33	0.344	0.01	0.034	339°51′	−126.16	148.4
1-4	9927	0.43	0.412	0.282	0.009	0.028	339°30′	−138.88	146.6
1-10	10404	0.324	0.327	0.429	0.009	0.036	339°30′	161.17	181.85
1-11	10299	0.482	0.489	0.349	0.009	0.038	339°41′	−144.17	167.94
1-13	10396	0.325	0.339	0.337	0.008	0.037	339°41′	142.88	162.79
2-1	9595	0.408	0.411	0.341	0.008	0.033	339°41′	−181.84	161.69
2-2	10912	0.463	0.486	0.506	0.009	0.055	340°01′	−144.86	162.11
2-3	10526	0.413	0.496	0.439	0.007	0.038	339°01′	−180.02	149.06
2-4	10378	0.457	0.436	0.359	0.008	0.034	339°51′	146.77	148.22
2-5	10279	0.438	0.468	0.478	0.013	0.054	339°51′	140.74	−139.02

Our Strengths

Every Solution Starts With Your Problems

Only Quoting, No Product Expertise

You don’t just want a price—you want someone who truly understands your needs. We clarify your requirements before quoting, drawing on years of experience.

Original Models Discontinued, Hard to Find Replacements

Obsolete models don’t mean you have to scrap your equipment. We custom-make replacement parts for discontinued models.

Lead Time Too Long, Project Falling Behind

Every week counts—delays are not an option. Our standard production lead time is just 45 days.

Big Brands Ignore Small Orders Or Minor Tweaks

Small orders and minor adjustments matter, too. We handle custom tweaks and low-volume runs with fast turnaround.

Questions about ordering

What is the lead time for the product?

45 Days Mass Production

What is the minimum order quantity (MOQ)?

The minimum order quantity (MOQ) is 10 units.

What is a Setup Charge?

A setup charge typically covers additional expenses related to customizing standard components or performing special operations requested by customers. These charges depend entirely on the complexity of the modifications, are design-specific, and usually apply to each order separately.

What is a Low-Volume Charge?

The Low Volume Charge (LVC) helps to clearly identify these fixed costs, ensuring transparency when ordering smaller quantities. This charge accounts for the higher proportion of fixed manufacturing expenses inherent in low-volume production runs.

Tell Us What You Need

Tell us as specific as possible of your needs, provide the drawing, reference picture and share your idea.

Get Solution & Quote

We will review your requirements and drawings first, then provide a practical solution or quotation within 24 hours.

Approve for Mass Production

After your approval and deposit confirmation, we will arrange production and shipment.

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