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C3 vs YG3

Ceramic · grade comparison

C3 and YG3 are both ceramic grades. C3 is the stronger of the two: tensile strength 1,300 MPa (189 ksi) against 1,100 MPa (160 ksi) for YG3, about 18% more. C3 is harder — 1,700 HV against 1,580 HV for YG3 — which matters for wear surfaces and threads. C3 runs hotter in service (800°C vs 600°C continuous).

C3Choose it when strength drives the design, or when surface hardness matters.

C3 vs YG3: properties

C3YG3

Mechanical

Strength, stiffness, ductility and hardness at room temperature.

Elastic (Young's) Modulus

630 GPa91.4 Msi
650 GPa94.3 Msi

Shear Modulus

255 GPa37 Msi
268 GPa38.9 Msi

Bulk Modulus

380 GPa55.1 Msi
385 GPa55.8 Msi

Poisson's Ratio

0.22
0.21

Tensile Strength (Ultimate)

1,300 MPa189 ksi
1,100 MPa160 ksi

Flexural Strength

2,100 MPa305 ksi
1,200 MPa174 ksi

Shear Strength

1,400 MPa203 ksi
900 MPa131 ksi

Fracture Toughness (K_IC)

9 MPa·√m8.2 ksi·√in
8.5 MPa·√m7.7 ksi·√in

Hardness, Vickers

1,700 HV
1,580 HV

Hardness, Knoop

1,800 HK
1,500 HK

Same in both: Elongation at Break 0% · Compressive Strength 6,000 MPa870 ksi · Hardness, Mohs 9

Physical

Density and transition temperatures.

Density

14.9 g/cm³0.54 lb/in³
15.1 g/cm³0.55 lb/in³

Porosity

0.04%
0.02%

Same in both: Melting Point (Solidus) 1,320°C2,408 °F

Thermal

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

Thermal Conductivity

85 W/m·K49.1 BTU/hr·ft·°F
88 W/m·K50.8 BTU/hr·ft·°F

Specific Heat Capacity

220 J/kg·K0.05 BTU/lb·°F
210 J/kg·K0.05 BTU/lb·°F

Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)

5.2 µm/m·K2.9 µin/in·°F
4.4 µm/m·K2.4 µin/in·°F

Max Service Temperature (continuous)

800°C1,472 °F
600°C1,112 °F

Min Service Temperature

-200°C-328 °F
-196°C-321 °F

Electrical

Conductivity and insulation.

Same in both: Electrical Resistivity 2×10⁻⁷ Ω·m7.87 µΩ·in · Volume Resistivity 2×10⁻⁵ Ω·cm

Chemical & Environmental

Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).

Corrosion Resistance

45 / 100
58 / 100

Manufacturability

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

Polishability

90 / 100
92 / 100

Same in both: Machinability 3 / 100 · Sintering / Firing Temperature 1,420°C2,588 °F

Sustainability

Primary-production footprint per kilogram.

Embodied Energy (primary production)

400 MJ/kg171,969 BTU/lb
250 MJ/kg107,481 BTU/lb

Embodied Carbon (primary production)

30 kg CO₂/kg
20 kg CO₂/kg

Embodied Water

250 L/kg30 gal/lb
500 L/kg59.9 gal/lb

Same in both: Typical Recycled Content 30%

Common Calculations

Ratios derived from the values above.

Specific Strength (UTS / density)

87 kN·m/kg
73 kN·m/kg

Specific Stiffness (E / density)

42.3 MN·m/kg
43 MN·m/kg

Thermal Diffusivity

25.9 mm²/s
27.8 mm²/s

Same in both: Thermal Shock Resistance Index 34

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 scale

Manufacturing and finishing

CapabilityC3YG3
Default condition——
Relative cost$$$$ High$$$$ High
Min. machined wall——
Best machined surface——

C3 vs YG3 — frequently asked

Is C3 stronger than YG3?

Yes. C3 has a typical tensile strength of 1,300 MPa (189 ksi) against 1,100 MPa (160 ksi) for YG3 — about 18% more.

Which is cheaper, C3 or YG3?

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 C3 over YG3?

Pick C3 when strength drives the design, or when surface hardness matters.

Ready to make it?

Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in C3 and YG3 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.