On a standard ball probe, the stem is the central part of tool to which the ball probe tip is attached. A ball probe stem lies between the ball probe tip and the handle of the probe. The stem material will change depending on the measurement job you need to accomplish. You will need to consider the bending of the ball probe stem as well as the thermal stability required when deciding upon a material. As a general rule, the longer the stylus stem is the greater the chance of an inaccurate measurement. You want a ball probe stem to be only as long as is necessary. Some example materials for ball probe stems include: steel, tungsten carbide, ceramic, carbon fiber, aluminum, and titanium. Back to entire glossary
