Al2O3-96% vs Aluminum Nitride
Ceramic · grade comparison
Al2O3-96% and Aluminum Nitride are both ceramic grades. Aluminum Nitride is the stronger of the two: tensile strength 200 MPa (29 ksi) against 172 MPa (24.9 ksi) for Al2O3-96%, about 16% more. Al2O3-96% is harder — 1,200 HV against 1,100 HV for Aluminum Nitride — which matters for wear surfaces and threads. Aluminum Nitride is lighter (3.29 g/cm³ vs 3.72 g/cm³ for Al2O3-96%) and Aluminum Nitride is stiffer (320 GPa vs 300 GPa).
Al2O3-96%Choose it when surface hardness matters, or when the part sees heat.
Aluminum NitrideChoose it when strength drives the design, or when weight is the constraint.
Al2O3-96% vs Aluminum Nitride: 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)
Flexural Strength
Shear Strength
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
Hardness, Vickers
Hardness, Knoop
Hardness, Mohs
Elongation at Break
Same in both: Compressive Strength 2,100 MPa305 ksi
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Density
Melting Point (Solidus)
Refractive Index
Same in both: Porosity 0.5%
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.
Dielectric Strength
Dielectric Constant (1 MHz)
Dissipation Factor (1 MHz)
Same in both: Electrical Resistivity 1×10¹² Ω·m3.94×10¹⁹ µΩ·in · Volume Resistivity 1×10¹⁴ Ω·cm
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.
Polishability
Sintering / Firing Temperature
Same in both: Machinability 5 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Embodied Energy (primary production)
Embodied Carbon (primary production)
Embodied Water
Same in both: 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 | Al2O3-96% | Aluminum Nitride |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | — | — |
| Relative cost | $$$$ High | $$$$ High |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
Al2O3-96% vs Aluminum Nitride — frequently asked
Is Aluminum Nitride stronger than Al2O3-96%?
Yes. Aluminum Nitride has a typical tensile strength of 200 MPa (29 ksi) against 172 MPa (24.9 ksi) for Al2O3-96% — about 16% more.
Which is cheaper, Al2O3-96% or Aluminum Nitride?
Both sit in the same relative cost tier ($$$$, high); the part price will be decided by machining time, tolerance and quantity rather than by the material.
When should I choose Al2O3-96% over Aluminum Nitride?
Pick Al2O3-96% when surface hardness matters, or when the part sees heat. Pick Aluminum Nitride when strength drives the design, or when weight is the constraint.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in Al2O3-96% and Aluminum Nitride 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.