HfB2 vs ZrB2
Ceramic · grade comparison
HfB2 and ZrB2 are both ceramic grades. HfB2 is harder — 2,800 HV against 2,200 HV for ZrB2 — which matters for wear surfaces and threads. ZrB2 is lighter (6.09 g/cm³ vs 11.1 g/cm³ for HfB2) and ZrB2 runs hotter in service (1,200°C vs 1,100°C continuous).
HfB2Choose it when surface hardness matters.
ZrB2Choose it when weight is the constraint, or when the part sees heat.
HfB2 vs ZrB2: 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
Bulk Modulus
Poisson's Ratio
Flexural Strength
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
Hardness, Vickers
Hardness, Knoop
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Same in both: Shear Modulus 213 GPa30.9 Msi · Compressive Strength 1,800 MPa261 ksi · Hardness, Mohs 9
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Density
Melting Point (Solidus)
Porosity
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Thermal Conductivity
Specific Heat Capacity
Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Min Service Temperature
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Electrical Resistivity
Volume Resistivity
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Same in both: Corrosion Resistance 70 / 100
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability
Polishability
Sintering / Firing Temperature
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Embodied Energy (primary production)
Embodied Carbon (primary production)
Embodied Water
Same in both: Typical Recycled Content 0%
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 | HfB2 | ZrB2 |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | — | — |
| Relative cost | $$$$ High | $$$$ High |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
HfB2 vs ZrB2 — frequently asked
What is the difference between HfB2 and ZrB2?
HfB2 and ZrB2 are both ceramic grades. HfB2 is harder — 2,800 HV against 2,200 HV for ZrB2 — which matters for wear surfaces and threads. ZrB2 is lighter (6.09 g/cm³ vs 11.1 g/cm³ for HfB2) and ZrB2 runs hotter in service (1,200°C vs 1,100°C continuous).
Which is cheaper, HfB2 or ZrB2?
Both sit in the same relative cost tier ($$$$, high); the part price will be decided by machining time, tolerance and quantity rather than by the material.
When should I choose HfB2 over ZrB2?
Pick HfB2 when surface hardness matters. Pick ZrB2 when weight is the constraint, or when the part sees heat.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in HfB2 and ZrB2 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.