CBN vs Silicon Nitride
Ceramic · grade comparison
CBN and Silicon Nitride are both ceramic grades. Silicon Nitride is lighter (3.22 g/cm³ vs 3.48 g/cm³ for CBN) and CBN is stiffer (860 GPa vs 310 GPa).
Silicon NitrideChoose it when weight is the constraint.
CBN vs Silicon 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
Compressive Strength
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
Hardness, Knoop
Hardness, Mohs
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Elongation at Break
Flexural Strength
Hardness, Vickers
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Density
Melting Point (Solidus)
Refractive Index
Porosity
Light Transmission
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Thermal Conductivity
Specific Heat Capacity
Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)
Min Service Temperature
Same in both: Max Service Temperature (continuous) 1,200°C2,192 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Electrical Resistivity
Dielectric Constant (1 MHz)
Volume Resistivity
Dielectric Strength
Dissipation Factor (1 MHz)
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
Sintering / Firing Temperature
Same in both: Polishability 92 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Embodied Energy (primary production)
Embodied Carbon (primary production)
Typical Recycled Content
Embodied Water
Common Calculations
Ratios derived from the values above.
Specific Stiffness (E / density)
Thermal Diffusivity
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 | CBN | Silicon Nitride |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | — | — |
| Relative cost | $$$$ High | $$$$ High |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
CBN vs Silicon Nitride — frequently asked
What is the difference between CBN and Silicon Nitride?
CBN and Silicon Nitride are both ceramic grades. Silicon Nitride is lighter (3.22 g/cm³ vs 3.48 g/cm³ for CBN) and CBN is stiffer (860 GPa vs 310 GPa).
Which is cheaper, CBN or Silicon Nitride?
Both sit in the same relative cost tier ($$$$, high); the part price will be decided by machining time, tolerance and quantity rather than by the material.
When should I choose CBN over Silicon Nitride?
Pick Silicon Nitride when weight is the constraint.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in CBN and Silicon 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.