Stylus Anatomy 101

Ball Data:

• Balls are grade 6 to 10, depending on diameter. Refer to our Technical Data for more complete information
• Available ball materials:
1. Ruby / Sapphire (AL₂O₃, monocrystalline)
2. Ceramic (AL₂O₃, polycrystalline)
3. Silicone Nitride (available on request)
4. Other materials are available

Ball / Shank Assembly:

Pivot Mount: A drilled ruby is glued to the reduced end of the pivot at shank end.

Solid Ball Mount: An undrilled ruby is glued directly to the end of the shank.

• 0.4mm and smaller diameter balls cannot be drilled for pivot.
• Drilled ball / pivot mount designs are recommended for 0.5mm and larger diameters for long life and durability.

Quick Reference Ball Diameter Coversion Chart:

Metric (nominal)	1.5mm	4.0mm	6.0mm	12.0mm	25.0mm
Decimal	0.62"	.125"	.250"	.500"	1.00"
Fraction	1/16"	1/8"	1/4"	1/2"	1"

Shank Materials:

Carbide:	Stainless Steel:
Sub-micron deflection	Durable
Small diameters	Lowest cost
Non-magnetic	Wide-spread acceptance
-
Ceramic:	Carbon Fiber:
Zero deflection	Great for high speed machines
Light weight	Lighter weight minimizes false triggering
Easy to see	Use for long configurations
Same Coefficient of Thermal Expansion as balls	Non-magnetic
Non-magnetic

Standard Ferrule Designs:

• Short
• Extended
• Short, conical
• Extended, conical
• No ferrule

PWMs diverse designs maximize strength, working length and assessibility according to your requirements.