Iridiumtipped
Iridium-tipped describes a component or device that has a tip made of iridium or an iridium alloy. Iridium is a member of the platinum-group metals and is known for exceptional hardness, high melting point, and outstanding corrosion resistance. These properties make iridium suitable for small, wear-prone points in tools and devices, even though pure iridium is expensive and relatively brittle.
In practice, iridium-tipped parts are typically produced by attaching a small iridium or iridium-alloy point to
Common applications include fountain pen nibs, where a hard iridium tip resists wear as ink flow and
Iridium-tipped items are often marketed for their longevity rather than their bulk material properties, reflecting the