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BNT vs PZT

Ceramic · grade comparison

BNT and PZT are both ceramic grades. BNT is harder — 550 HV against 350 HV for PZT — which matters for wear surfaces and threads. BNT is lighter (5.85 g/cm³ vs 7.75 g/cm³ for PZT) and BNT is stiffer (110 GPa vs 61 GPa).

BNTChoose it when surface hardness matters, or when weight is the constraint.

PZTChoose it when the part sees heat.

BNT vs PZT: properties

BNTPZT

Mechanical

Strength, stiffness, ductility and hardness at room temperature.

Elastic (Young's) Modulus

110 GPa16 Msi
61 GPa8.8 Msi

Shear Modulus

43 GPa6.2 Msi
23 GPa3.3 Msi

Bulk Modulus

90 GPa13.1 Msi
55 GPa8 Msi

Poisson's Ratio

0.28
0.31

Flexural Strength

100 MPa14.5 ksi
85 MPa12.3 ksi

Fracture Toughness (K_IC)

1.2 MPa·√m1.1 ksi·√in
1 MPa·√m0.91 ksi·√in

Hardness, Vickers

550 HV
350 HV

Hardness, Mohs

6
5

Tensile Strength (Ultimate)

—
75 MPa10.9 ksi

Hardness, Knoop

—
330 HK

Same in both: Compressive Strength 600 MPa87 ksi

Physical

Density and transition temperatures.

Density

5.85 g/cm³0.21 lb/in³
7.75 g/cm³0.28 lb/in³

Melting Point (Solidus)

1,300°C2,372 °F
—

Refractive Index

2.55
—

Porosity

3%
1%

Thermal

How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.

Thermal Conductivity

1.8 W/m·K1 BTU/hr·ft·°F
1.3 W/m·K0.75 BTU/hr·ft·°F

Specific Heat Capacity

400 J/kg·K0.1 BTU/lb·°F
380 J/kg·K0.09 BTU/lb·°F

Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)

9 µm/m·K5 µin/in·°F
4 µm/m·K2.2 µin/in·°F

Max Service Temperature (continuous)

150°C302 °F
175°C347 °F

Same in both: Min Service Temperature -50°C-58 °F

Electrical

Conductivity and insulation.

Electrical Resistivity

1×10⁹ Ω·m3.94×10¹⁶ µΩ·in
1×10¹⁰ Ω·m3.94×10¹⁷ µΩ·in

Dielectric Strength

7 kV/mm178 V/mil
5 kV/mm127 V/mil

Dielectric Constant (1 MHz)

450
1,700

Dissipation Factor (1 MHz)

0.04
0.02

Volume Resistivity

1×10¹¹ Ω·cm
1×10¹² Ω·cm

Chemical & Environmental

Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).

Corrosion Resistance

82 / 100
60 / 100

Manufacturability

FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.

Machinability

5 / 100
8 / 100

Polishability

78 / 100
70 / 100

Sintering / Firing Temperature

1,175°C2,147 °F
1,250°C2,282 °F

Sustainability

Primary-production footprint per kilogram.

Embodied Energy (primary production)

95 MJ/kg40,843 BTU/lb
70 MJ/kg30,095 BTU/lb

Embodied Carbon (primary production)

8.5 kg CO₂/kg
5.5 kg CO₂/kg

Embodied Water

200 L/kg24 gal/lb
60 L/kg7.2 gal/lb

Typical Recycled Content

0%
5%

Common Calculations

Ratios derived from the values above.

Specific Stiffness (E / density)

18.8 MN·m/kg
7.9 MN·m/kg

Thermal Diffusivity

0.8 mm²/s
0.4 mm²/s

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.

501002005001,000234567Density (g/cm³)Yield strength (MPa) — log scalePZT

Manufacturing and finishing

CapabilityBNTPZT
Default condition——
Relative cost$$$$ High$$$$ High
Min. machined wall——
Best machined surface——

BNT vs PZT — frequently asked

What is the difference between BNT and PZT?

BNT and PZT are both ceramic grades. BNT is harder — 550 HV against 350 HV for PZT — which matters for wear surfaces and threads. BNT is lighter (5.85 g/cm³ vs 7.75 g/cm³ for PZT) and BNT is stiffer (110 GPa vs 61 GPa).

Which is cheaper, BNT or PZT?

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 BNT over PZT?

Pick BNT when surface hardness matters, or when weight is the constraint. Pick PZT when the part sees heat.

Ready to make it?

Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in BNT 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.