X5R
X5R is a ferroelectric BaTiO₃-based Class II dielectric rated ±15% from −55 to +85 °C, trading temperature range for higher volumetric efficiency than X7R.
Reference datasheet — X5R is not in the instant-quote catalog. Upload your part and an engineer will quote it in this grade or suggest the closest stocked equivalent.
Values for the BME condition
X5R tempers and conditions
X5R is supplied in 3 conditions, soft to hard. BME is the default FabDigit quotes; the values on this page are for it.
Compare all 3 conditionsHide
| Condition · open for datasheet | Best for | Yield MPa | Tensile MPa | Elong. % | Hardness | Conductivity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Precious-metal (Ag/Pd) electrode, air-fired X5R dielectric | Choose for legacy, high-reliability or low-volume MLCC/disc lines fired in air where Ag/Pd electrodes and simpler oxidizing firing are preferred. | 48 | 0 | 540 HV | 3 W/m·K | |
BMEDefault Base-metal (Ni) electrode, reduction-resistant X5R dielectric | Mainstream commercial X5R for Ni-electrode MLCCs: acceptor/rare-earth co-doped BaTiO3 fired in reducing atmosphere; best cost and volumetric efficiency. | 50 | 0 | 560 HV | 3 W/m·K | |
Ultra-fine-grain high-K thin-layer X5R | Pick for maximum capacitance density in 0402/0201 cases or 100 µF-class MLCCs: sub-micron core–shell BaTiO₃ fired at low temperature, at the cost of higher DF, stronger DC-bias capacitance loss and an 85 °C limit. | — |
What is X5R?
X5R is a ferroelectric BaTiO₃-based Class II dielectric rated ±15% from −55 to +85 °C, trading temperature range for higher volumetric efficiency than X7R. It is used where board area is the constraint, and is supplied as compact multilayer chips with base-metal or precious-metal electrodes and in high-capacitance thin-layer constructions. Density is about 5.75 g/cm³ and maximum service temperature 85 °C. Capacitance drops under DC bias and with ageing, thin-layer parts are flex-crack sensitive, and the 85 °C ceiling rules out hot environments — use X7R where temperature range matters. X5R has a density of 5.75 g/cm³ (0.208 lb/in³), heavier than 60% of ceramic grades. It melts at 1,618°C (2,944 °F). X5R has a tensile strength of 50 MPa (7.25 ksi), weaker than 67% of ceramic grades. Elongation at break is 0% and the elastic modulus is 115 GPa (16.7 Msi).
What is X5R used for?
- Compact MLCC capacitors
- Bypass and decoupling in consumer electronics
- DC-DC converter input and output capacitors
- Battery-line bulk capacitance
- Low-profile capacitors for modules and embedded boards
- Handheld-device power filtering
Limitations
- Limited service temperature — 85°C (185 °F), worse than 99% of ceramic grades
- Low fracture toughness — 1 MPa·√m (0.91 ksi·√in), worse than 84% of ceramic grades
- Poor heat conductor — 3 W/m·K (1.73 BTU/hr·ft·°F), worse than 77% of ceramic grades
X5R properties
Typical room-temperature values for X5R-BME; bars are the position among ceramic grades.
Physical4
X5R has a density of 5.75 g/cm³ (0.208 lb/in³), heavier than 60% of ceramic grades. It melts at 1,618°C (2,944 °F).
Mechanical12
X5R has a tensile strength of 50 MPa (7.25 ksi), weaker than 67% of ceramic grades. Elongation at break is 0% and the elastic modulus is 115 GPa (16.7 Msi).
Thermal5
X5R is rated for continuous service to 85°C (185 °F). It conducts heat at 3 W/m·K (1.73 BTU/hr·ft·°F), worse than 77% of ceramic grades. Thermal expansion is 10 µm/m·K (5.56 µin/in·°F).
Electrical5
X5R is an electrical insulator with a dielectric strength of 45 kV/mm (1,143 V/mil) and a resistivity of 1×10¹⁰ Ω·m.
Chemical & Environmental2
Corrosion resistance is very good (78/100), better than 53% of ceramic grades.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of X5R takes about 70 MJ of energy and emits 6 kg of CO₂ — less than 71% of ceramic grades. Typical recycled content is 0%.
Manufacturability3
X5R's machinability is not recommended (5/100, worse than 59% of ceramic grades).
Common Calculations4
Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Certified mill or lot data ships with every FabDigit order on request.
Strength versus weight in the ceramic family
Yield strength against density for every ceramic grade FabDigit runs. X5R is highlighted; hover a dot for its name, or open the interactive family chart.
Working with X5R
Is X5R easy to machine?
No conventional machining — shape in the green (tape-cast/laminated) state by punching, dicing or laser; fired bodies need diamond grinding/lapping only.
Can X5R be welded?
Not weldable; joining is by fired-on Cu or Ag termination plus Ni/Sn barrier plating and solder or conductive adhesive.
Can X5R be formed, bent or molded?
Tape casting of slip, screen-printed Ni or Ag/Pd electrodes, stacking/isostatic lamination, binder burnout, then co-firing at 1120–1350 °C (reducing atmosphere with pO2 control for BME).
X5R chemical composition (wt %)
Limits by weight percent from the governing specification, written the way the spec states them — a single maximum for impurities, a range for alloying elements, and the base element as balance. Nominal is the typical mid-range value.
| Element | Spec limit (wt %) | Nominal |
|---|---|---|
| CaZrO3Curie-point shifter / shell former (also BaZrO3, CaTiO3) | 0 – 4 | 2 |
| Dy2O3rare-earth shell dopant; Ho2O3/Y2O3/Er2O3 used interchangeably | 0.5 – 3 | 1.5 |
| MgOacceptor, reduction resistance for BME firing | 0.3 – 1.5 | 0.8 |
| MnOacceptor / IR life improver | 0.05 – 0.4 | 0.15 |
| SiO2sintering aid, part of Ba-Ca-Si glass frit | 0.4 – 2.5 | 1.2 |
| V2O5optional reliability dopant | 0 – 0.2 | 0.05 |
| BaTiO3core-shell barium titanate matrix, Ba/Ti ≈ 1.00–1.01 | ≥ 88 (balance) |
What surface finishes work on X5R?
Barrel-tumble to round edges, apply termination paste and re-fire, then electroplate Ni/Sn; avoid grinding-induced microcracks that degrade insulation resistance.
How much does X5R cost?
X5R is a high-cost ceramic ($$$$), pricier than about 78% of the materials FabDigit quotes. Part price depends far more on geometry, tolerance and quantity than on the raw stock — upload a CAD file for a live quote.
X5R — frequently asked
What is X5R used for?
X5R is typically used for compact MLCC capacitors, bypass and decoupling in consumer electronics, DC-DC converter input and output capacitors, battery-line bulk capacitance, low-profile capacitors for modules and embedded boards and handheld-device power filtering. In short: higher capacitance density than X7R; 85 °C temperature ceiling; compact-electronics workhorse.
What is the tensile strength of X5R?
X5R has a typical tensile strength of 50 MPa (7.25 ksi) — weaker than 67% of ceramic grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 3 listed tempers.
Is X5R easy to machine?
Not especially — machinability is rated not recommended (5/100, worse than 59% of ceramic grades). No conventional machining — shape in the green (tape-cast/laminated) state by punching, dicing or laser; fired bodies need diamond grinding/lapping only.
Can X5R be welded?
Not weldable; joining is by fired-on Cu or Ag termination plus Ni/Sn barrier plating and solder or conductive adhesive.
What surface finishes work on X5R?
Barrel-tumble to round edges, apply termination paste and re-fire, then electroplate Ni/Sn; avoid grinding-induced microcracks that degrade insulation resistance.
Can X5R be formed, bent or molded?
Tape casting of slip, screen-printed Ni or Ag/Pd electrodes, stacking/isostatic lamination, binder burnout, then co-firing at 1120–1350 °C (reducing atmosphere with pO2 control for BME).
What is the maximum service temperature of X5R?
X5R is rated for continuous use to about 85°C (185 °F). Strength falls off well before that limit — check the elevated-temperature data for load-bearing parts.
How much does X5R cost?
X5R is a high-cost ceramic ($$$$), pricier than about 78% of the materials FabDigit quotes. Part price depends far more on geometry, tolerance and quantity than on the raw stock — upload a CAD file for a live quote.
Sources
- EIA RS-198 / IEC 60384-21 — Class II ceramic dielectric temperature characteristics (X5R) — EIA / IEC (2019)
- Engineered Materials Handbook Vol.4: Ceramics and Glasses — Electronic ceramics — ASM International (1991)
- Piezoelectric and Dielectric Ceramics (BaTiO3 property data) — Academic literature compilation (2015)
- MLCC general technical information and dielectric characteristics — Murata / TDK / Samsung Electro-Mechanics (2024)
- MLCC-grade barium titanate powder datasheets — Sakai Chemical / Ferro / (Sinocera) (2024)
Property data is compiled from published supplier and standards handbooks and normalised for comparison; hardness values on non-Brinell scales are converted approximately for charting only. Manufacturability limits are FabDigit quote-engine defaults and may be relaxed by engineering review. Nothing on this page is a certification — request mill certs, CoC or material test reports with your order.