3Y-TZP vs Alumina 96
Ceramic · grade comparison
3Y-TZP and Alumina 96 are both ceramic grades. 3Y-TZP is the stronger of the two: tensile strength 400 MPa (58 ksi) against 190 MPa (27.6 ksi) for Alumina 96, about 111% more. 3Y-TZP is harder — 1,250 HV against 1,150 HV for Alumina 96 — which matters for wear surfaces and threads. Alumina 96 is lighter (3.72 g/cm³ vs 6.05 g/cm³ for 3Y-TZP) and Alumina 96 is stiffer (300 GPa vs 210 GPa).
3Y-TZPChoose it when strength drives the design, or when surface hardness matters.
Alumina 96Choose it when weight is the constraint, or when the part sees heat.
3Y-TZP vs Alumina 96: 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
Shear Modulus
Bulk Modulus
Poisson's Ratio
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Compressive Strength
Flexural Strength
Shear Strength
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
Hardness, Vickers
Hardness, Knoop
Hardness, Mohs
Elongation at Break
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Density
Melting Point (Solidus)
Refractive Index
Light Transmission
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
Dielectric Constant (1 MHz)
Dissipation Factor (1 MHz)
Volume Resistivity
Same in both: Dielectric Strength 15 kV/mm381 V/mil
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Same in both: Corrosion Resistance 92 / 100
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)
Same in both: Embodied Water 300 L/kg35.9 gal/lb · Typical Recycled Content 0%
Common Calculations
Ratios derived from the values above.
Specific Strength (UTS / density)
Specific Stiffness (E / density)
Thermal Diffusivity
Thermal Shock Resistance Index
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 | 3Y-TZP | Alumina 96 |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | — | — |
| Relative cost | $$$$ High | $$$$ High |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
3Y-TZP vs Alumina 96 — frequently asked
Is 3Y-TZP stronger than Alumina 96?
Yes. 3Y-TZP has a typical tensile strength of 400 MPa (58 ksi) against 190 MPa (27.6 ksi) for Alumina 96 — about 111% more.
Which is cheaper, 3Y-TZP or Alumina 96?
Both sit in the same relative cost tier ($$$$, high); the part price will be decided by machining time, tolerance and quantity rather than by the material.
When should I choose 3Y-TZP over Alumina 96?
Pick 3Y-TZP when strength drives the design, or when surface hardness matters. Pick Alumina 96 when weight is the constraint, or when the part sees heat.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 3Y-TZP and Alumina 96 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.