Al2O3-96 vs Cordierite
Ceramic · grade comparison
Al2O3-96 and Cordierite are both ceramic grades. Al2O3-96 is the stronger of the two: tensile strength 170 MPa (24.7 ksi) against 25 MPa (3.63 ksi) for Cordierite, about 6.8 times as much. Al2O3-96 is harder — 1,150 HV against 700 HV for Cordierite — which matters for wear surfaces and threads. Cordierite is lighter (2.3 g/cm³ vs 3.72 g/cm³ for Al2O3-96) and Al2O3-96 is stiffer (300 GPa vs 70 GPa). On the shop floor, Cordierite machines more easily (poor vs not recommended).
Al2O3-96Choose it when strength drives the design, or when surface hardness matters.
CordieriteChoose it when weight is the constraint, or when the part is machined in volume.
Al2O3-96 vs Cordierite: 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)
Elongation at Break
Compressive Strength
Flexural Strength
Shear Strength
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
Hardness, Vickers
Hardness, Knoop
Hardness, Mohs
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Density
Melting Point (Solidus)
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)
Same in both: Min Service Temperature -200°C-328 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Electrical Resistivity
Dielectric Strength
Dielectric Constant (1 MHz)
Dissipation Factor (1 MHz)
Volume Resistivity
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)
Embodied Water
Typical Recycled Content
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 | Al2O3-96 | Cordierite |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | — | — |
| Relative cost | $$$$ High | $$$$ High |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
Al2O3-96 vs Cordierite — frequently asked
Is Al2O3-96 stronger than Cordierite?
Yes. Al2O3-96 has a typical tensile strength of 170 MPa (24.7 ksi) against 25 MPa (3.63 ksi) for Cordierite — about 6.8 times as much.
Which is cheaper, Al2O3-96 or Cordierite?
Both sit in the same relative cost tier ($$$$, high); the part price will be decided by machining time, tolerance and quantity rather than by the material.
Which is easier to machine, Al2O3-96 or Cordierite?
Cordierite. Its machinability rates poor (20/100) against not recommended (5/100) for Al2O3-96.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in Al2O3-96 and Cordierite 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.