3C90 vs PZT
Ceramic · grade comparison
3C90 and PZT are both ceramic grades. PZT is the stronger of the two: tensile strength 75 MPa (10.9 ksi) against 30 MPa (4.35 ksi) for 3C90, about 150% more. 3C90 is harder — 600 HV against 350 HV for PZT — which matters for wear surfaces and threads. 3C90 is lighter (4.8 g/cm³ vs 7.75 g/cm³ for PZT) and 3C90 is stiffer (150 GPa vs 61 GPa). On the shop floor, 3C90 sits in a lower cost tier (premium, $$$) than PZT (high, $$$$).
3C90Choose it when surface hardness matters, or when weight is the constraint.
PZTChoose it when strength drives the design.
3C90 vs PZT: propertiesHow to read these bars
- One bar per material. A full bar is the highest value among all ceramic grades in the FabDigit library; each bar is drawn as a share of that.
- The better value (by the usual engineering direction) is in bold. Rows with no direction — density, thermal conductivity — have no bold.
- Values are typical room-temperature figures for the condition named on each card.
- Confirm against the certified mill or resin datasheet before design release.
How to read these bars
- One bar per material. A full bar is the highest value among all ceramic grades in the FabDigit library; each bar is drawn as a share of that.
- The better value (by the usual engineering direction) is in bold. Rows with no direction — density, thermal conductivity — have no bold.
- Values are typical room-temperature figures for the condition named on each card.
- Confirm against the certified mill or resin datasheet before design release.
Mechanical
Strength, stiffness, ductility and hardness at room temperature.
Elastic (Young's) Modulus
Poisson's Ratio
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Compressive Strength
Flexural Strength
Hardness, Vickers
Hardness, Mohs
Shear Modulus
Bulk Modulus
Hardness, Knoop
Same in both: Fracture Toughness (K_IC) 1 MPa·√m0.91 ksi·√in
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Density
Porosity
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Thermal Conductivity
Specific Heat Capacity
Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Min Service Temperature
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Electrical Resistivity
Volume Resistivity
Dielectric Strength
Dielectric Constant (1 MHz)
Dissipation Factor (1 MHz)
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Corrosion Resistance
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability
Polishability
Sintering / Firing Temperature
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Embodied Energy (primary production)
Embodied Carbon (primary production)
Typical Recycled Content
Embodied Water
Common Calculations
Ratios derived from the values above.
Specific Strength (UTS / density)
Specific Stiffness (E / density)
Thermal Diffusivity
Same in both: Thermal Shock Resistance Index 0
Strength versus weight
Yield strength against density for every ceramic grade in the FabDigit library; the compared grades are highlighted. Up and left is stronger for its weight.
Manufacturing and finishing
| Capability | 3C90 | PZT |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | — | — |
| Relative cost | $$$ Premium | $$$$ High |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
3C90 vs PZT — frequently asked
Is PZT stronger than 3C90?
Yes. PZT has a typical tensile strength of 75 MPa (10.9 ksi) against 30 MPa (4.35 ksi) for 3C90 — about 150% more.
Which is cheaper, 3C90 or PZT?
3C90 is the lower-cost material: it sits in the premium tier ($$$) while PZT is high ($$$$). Part price depends far more on geometry, tolerance and quantity than on raw stock — upload a CAD file for a live quote.
When should I choose 3C90 over PZT?
Pick 3C90 when surface hardness matters, or when weight is the constraint. Pick PZT when strength drives the design.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 3C90 and PZT side by side — material, machining time, tolerance and finish in one quote. Certified material data ships with the order on request.
Typical handbook values for the conditions named above, normalised for comparison. Hardness on non-Brinell scales is converted approximately for charting only. Request certified data with your order for design-critical properties.