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Cr3C2 vs HPSiC

Ceramic · grade comparison

Cr3C2 and HPSiC are both ceramic grades. HPSiC is the stronger of the two: tensile strength 350 MPa (50.8 ksi) against 200 MPa (29 ksi) for Cr3C2, about 75% more. HPSiC is harder — 2,600 HV against 1,400 HV for Cr3C2 — which matters for wear surfaces and threads. HPSiC is lighter (3.2 g/cm³ vs 6.68 g/cm³ for Cr3C2) and HPSiC is stiffer (450 GPa vs 373 GPa).

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

Cr3C2 vs HPSiC: properties

Cr3C2HPSiC

Mechanical

Strength, stiffness, ductility and hardness at room temperature.

Elastic (Young's) Modulus

373 GPa54.1 Msi
450 GPa65.3 Msi

Shear Modulus

145 GPa21 Msi
193 GPa28 Msi

Bulk Modulus

282 GPa40.9 Msi
220 GPa31.9 Msi

Poisson's Ratio

0.28
0.16

Tensile Strength (Ultimate)

200 MPa29 ksi
350 MPa50.8 ksi

Elongation at Break

0%
—

Compressive Strength

1,200 MPa174 ksi
3,900 MPa566 ksi

Flexural Strength

400 MPa58 ksi
600 MPa87 ksi

Shear Strength

300 MPa43.5 ksi
380 MPa55.1 ksi

Hardness, Vickers

1,400 HV
2,600 HV

Hardness, Knoop

1,300 HK
2,500 HK

Hardness, Mohs

9
9.5

Same in both: Fracture Toughness (K_IC) 4 MPa·√m3.6 ksi·√in

Physical

Density and transition temperatures.

Density

6.68 g/cm³0.24 lb/in³
3.2 g/cm³0.12 lb/in³

Melting Point (Solidus)

1,810°C3,290 °F
2,730°C4,946 °F

Porosity

2%
0.5%

Thermal

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

Thermal Conductivity

19 W/m·K11 BTU/hr·ft·°F
125 W/m·K72.2 BTU/hr·ft·°F

Specific Heat Capacity

500 J/kg·K0.12 BTU/lb·°F
700 J/kg·K0.17 BTU/lb·°F

Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)

10.3 µm/m·K5.7 µin/in·°F
4 µm/m·K2.2 µin/in·°F

Max Service Temperature (continuous)

1,000°C1,832 °F
1,600°C2,912 °F

Same in both: Min Service Temperature -200°C-328 °F

Electrical

Conductivity and insulation.

Electrical Resistivity

7.5×10⁻⁷ Ω·m29.5 µΩ·in
10 Ω·m3.94×10⁸ µΩ·in

Volume Resistivity

7.5×10⁻⁵ Ω·cm
10,000 Ω·cm

Chemical & Environmental

Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).

Corrosion Resistance

85 / 100
93 / 100

Manufacturability

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

Machinability

4 / 100
3 / 100

Polishability

75 / 100
92 / 100

Sintering / Firing Temperature

1,600°C2,912 °F
2,000°C3,632 °F

Sustainability

Primary-production footprint per kilogram.

Embodied Energy (primary production)

95 MJ/kg40,843 BTU/lb
130 MJ/kg55,890 BTU/lb

Embodied Carbon (primary production)

7.5 kg CO₂/kg
11 kg CO₂/kg

Typical Recycled Content

5%
0%

Embodied Water

—
180 L/kg21.6 gal/lb

Common Calculations

Ratios derived from the values above.

Specific Strength (UTS / density)

30 kN·m/kg
109 kN·m/kg

Specific Stiffness (E / density)

55.8 MN·m/kg
140.6 MN·m/kg

Thermal Diffusivity

5.7 mm²/s
55.8 mm²/s

Thermal Shock Resistance Index

1
24

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

CapabilityCr3C2HPSiC
Default condition——
Relative cost$$$$ High$$$$ High
Min. machined wall——
Best machined surface——

Cr3C2 vs HPSiC — frequently asked

Is HPSiC stronger than Cr3C2?

Yes. HPSiC has a typical tensile strength of 350 MPa (50.8 ksi) against 200 MPa (29 ksi) for Cr3C2 — about 75% more.

Which is cheaper, Cr3C2 or HPSiC?

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 Cr3C2 over HPSiC?

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

Ready to make it?

Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in Cr3C2 and HPSiC 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.