8533.40.80.60 - Metal glaze

This HTS category, 8533.40.80.60, specifically encompasses "Metal glaze" electrical resistors. These are a type of variable resistor, including rheostats and potentiometers, where the resistive element is formed by a glaze containing metallic particles. The glaze is applied to an insulating substrate and then fired to create a stable resistive track. These components are designed for applications requiring precise resistance adjustment, often found in control circuits for various electronic and electrical equipment.

This classification is distinct from its sibling category, 8533.40.80.50, which covers "Cermet" resistors. While both utilize composite resistive materials, cermet resistors are formed from a mixture of ceramic and metallic components, offering different performance characteristics and manufacturing processes compared to the metallic glaze formulation. The "Other" sibling category (8533.40.80.70) serves as a residual classification for any other types of variable resistors not specifically covered by the metal glaze or cermet descriptions within this "Other" sub-heading.

As a leaf node within the HTS structure, this category does not have further subcategories. Therefore, the focus remains on clearly defining the scope of "Metal glaze" resistors. Classification within this code hinges on the specific material composition of the resistive element being a metallic glaze, as opposed to other composite resistive materials or purely metallic wire-wound elements. The functionality as a variable resistor (rheostat or potentiometer) remains a prerequisite for entry into this broader parent category.