What is the molded composition type of resistor usually referred to as?

The molded composition type of resistor is commonly referred to as a carbon resistor. This type of resistor is constructed by mixing carbon black with a binding material, which is then molded into a specific shape and size. The carbon content provides the resistive properties, while the binding material holds everything together and provides structural integrity.

Carbon resistors are known for their reliability and cost-effectiveness, making them widely used in various electronic applications. They typically exhibit good performance for both signal-level applications and in many power applications.

In contrast, ceramic resistors refer to resistors that have a ceramic material as part of their structure, which can tolerate high temperatures but is not the same as the molded composition type. Metallic resistors utilize a metallic film or wire as the resistive element, while film resistors usually refer to thin or thick film resistors, which have different manufacturing processes and characteristics compared to molded composition resistors.