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C4 vs YG6

Ceramic · grade comparison

C4 and YG6 are both ceramic grades. C4 is the stronger of the two: tensile strength 1,200 MPa (174 ksi) against 1,100 MPa (160 ksi) for YG6, about 9% more. In exchange, YG6 is the more ductile: elongation 0.2% versus 0% for C4, and C4 is harder (1,850 HV vs 1,580 HV). C4 is stiffer (665 GPa vs 630 GPa) and C4 conducts heat better (100 W/m·K vs 80 W/m·K).

C4Choose it when strength drives the design.

YG6Choose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.

C4 vs YG6: properties

C4YG6

Mechanical

Strength, stiffness, ductility and hardness at room temperature.

Elastic (Young's) Modulus

665 GPa96.5 Msi
630 GPa91.4 Msi

Shear Modulus

275 GPa39.9 Msi
255 GPa37 Msi

Bulk Modulus

382 GPa55.4 Msi
375 GPa54.4 Msi

Poisson's Ratio

0.21
0.22

Tensile Strength (Ultimate)

1,200 MPa174 ksi
1,100 MPa160 ksi

Elongation at Break

0%
0.2%

Compressive Strength

6,500 MPa943 ksi
4,600 MPa667 ksi

Flexural Strength

1,600 MPa232 ksi
1,800 MPa261 ksi

Fracture Toughness (K_IC)

8 MPa·√m7.3 ksi·√in
10 MPa·√m9.1 ksi·√in

Hardness, Vickers

1,850 HV
1,580 HV

Hardness, Knoop

1,800 HK
1,500 HK

Same in both: Shear Strength 1,200 MPa174 ksi · Hardness, Mohs 9

Physical

Density and transition temperatures.

Density

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

Same in both: Melting Point (Solidus) 1,320°C2,408 °F · Porosity 0.02%

Thermal

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

Thermal Conductivity

100 W/m·K57.8 BTU/hr·ft·°F
80 W/m·K46.2 BTU/hr·ft·°F

Specific Heat Capacity

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

Same in both: Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 4.5 µm/m·K2.5 µin/in·°F · Max Service Temperature (continuous) 600°C1,112 °F · Min Service Temperature -196°C-321 °F

Electrical

Conductivity and insulation.

Electrical Resistivity

1.9×10⁻⁷ Ω·m7.48 µΩ·in
2×10⁻⁷ Ω·m7.87 µΩ·in

Volume Resistivity

1.9×10⁻⁵ Ω·cm
2×10⁻⁵ Ω·cm

Chemical & Environmental

Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).

Corrosion Resistance

45 / 100
55 / 100

Manufacturability

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

Machinability

3 / 100
5 / 100

Polishability

92 / 100
90 / 100

Same in both: Sintering / Firing Temperature 1,420°C2,588 °F

Sustainability

Primary-production footprint per kilogram.

Embodied Energy (primary production)

400 MJ/kg171,969 BTU/lb
330 MJ/kg141,875 BTU/lb

Embodied Carbon (primary production)

30 kg CO₂/kg
24 kg CO₂/kg

Embodied Water

300 L/kg35.9 gal/lb
400 L/kg47.9 gal/lb

Same in both: Typical Recycled Content 30%

Common Calculations

Ratios derived from the values above.

Specific Strength (UTS / density)

79 kN·m/kg
74 kN·m/kg

Specific Stiffness (E / density)

43.8 MN·m/kg
42.3 MN·m/kg

Thermal Diffusivity

31.3 mm²/s
24.4 mm²/s

Thermal Shock Resistance Index

40
31

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

CapabilityC4YG6
Default condition——
Relative cost$$$$ High$$$$ High
Min. machined wall——
Best machined surface——

C4 vs YG6 — frequently asked

Is C4 stronger than YG6?

Yes. C4 has a typical tensile strength of 1,200 MPa (174 ksi) against 1,100 MPa (160 ksi) for YG6 — about 9% more.

Which is cheaper, C4 or YG6?

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 C4 over YG6?

Pick C4 when strength drives the design. Pick YG6 when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.

Ready to make it?

Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in C4 and YG6 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.