The especially light ceramic tweezers are characterized by a large number of special properties which meet also very special requirements.
Material designations and properties
Code letter
Material
Properties
(C)
Tool steel, hardened
+ Very long service life. + Very stable. + Cost-effective. - Strongly magnetic. - Sensitive to corrosion (protection only by nickel plating).
S
Stainless steel
+ Largely stainless without nickel plating. + Fine tips possible. + High tip hardness. - Slightly magnetic. - Can rust under extreme conditions.
SA
Stainless steel (No. 4435 / AISI 316)
+ Stainless. + Antimagnetic. + Resistant to conventional acids and vapors. - Not so hard as "C" or "S".
Note: Full steel tweezers are 100% conductive. Under certain circumstances, they can be used in ESD areas. The decision on the application in ESD areas lies with the user.
Ceramic
Zirconia ceramic and aluminum
+ No electromagnetic induction at high frequency. + No eddy current losses. + 100% electrically insulating. + 100% antimagnetic. + 100% antistatic. + Extremely wear-resistant, approx. 10 times better than steel, approx. 100 times better than plastic. + Temperature-resistant up to 700°C. + Extremely low thermal conductivity. + 100% stainless. + Resistant to acids and alkalis (except hydrofluoric acid). + Extremely smooth anti-adhesive surface. - Tips can break in case of misuse.
Carbofib
Carbon fiber tips and SA steel
+ Stainless. + Antimagnetic. + Acid-resistant. + Conductive. + Gentle on surfaces. + Stable and durable. + Temperature-resistant up to 270°C.