
Comparison of metal properties
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Iridium is a precious metal that is 6 times harder and 8 times stronger than platinum, it has a 1,200°(F) higher melting point than platinum and conducts electricity better. This makes it possible to create the finest wire center electrode ever. The strength, hardness and high melting point of iridium makes it very well suited for a fine wire plug and for ultra long life spark plugs. Though better, it’s not perfect, it is very expensive, and at higher temperatures it oxides, thus rendering pure iridium as an expensively poor choice for spark plug construction. However when blended with other precious metals such as Yttria, Rhodium or Platinum, you can enhance those metals advantages with the superior strength and hardness of Iridium. Champion Spark Plugs have nearly half a century of experience with iridium blends in their industrial and aviation plugs, but advances in late model engine design have necessitated the need for iridium in automotive applications. The strength, hardness and high melting point of iridium allow Champion to manufacture their iridium ultra-fine wire center electrode to 0.7mm. One of the finest firing points in the industry! |