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HPSiC vs RBSiC/SiSiC

Ceramic · grade comparison

HPSiC and RBSiC/SiSiC are both ceramic grades. HPSiC is the stronger of the two: tensile strength 350 MPa (50.8 ksi) against 200 MPa (29 ksi) for RBSiC/SiSiC, about 75% more. HPSiC is harder — 2,600 HV against 2,300 HV for RBSiC/SiSiC — which matters for wear surfaces and threads. RBSiC/SiSiC is lighter (3.05 g/cm³ vs 3.2 g/cm³ for HPSiC) and HPSiC is stiffer (450 GPa vs 390 GPa).

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

RBSiC/SiSiCChoose it when weight is the constraint.

HPSiC vs RBSiC/SiSiC: properties

HPSiCRBSiC/SiSiC

Mechanical

Strength, stiffness, ductility and hardness at room temperature.

Elastic (Young's) Modulus

450 GPa65.3 Msi
390 GPa56.6 Msi

Shear Modulus

193 GPa28 Msi
167 GPa24.2 Msi

Bulk Modulus

220 GPa31.9 Msi
191 GPa27.7 Msi

Poisson's Ratio

0.16
0.17

Tensile Strength (Ultimate)

350 MPa50.8 ksi
200 MPa29 ksi

Compressive Strength

3,900 MPa566 ksi
2,500 MPa363 ksi

Flexural Strength

600 MPa87 ksi
320 MPa46.4 ksi

Shear Strength

380 MPa55.1 ksi
180 MPa26.1 ksi

Fracture Toughness (K_IC)

4 MPa·√m3.6 ksi·√in
3.7 MPa·√m3.4 ksi·√in

Hardness, Vickers

2,600 HV
2,300 HV

Hardness, Knoop

2,500 HK
2,200 HK

Hardness, Mohs

9.5
9.3

Elongation at Break

—
0%

Physical

Density and transition temperatures.

Density

3.2 g/cm³0.12 lb/in³
3.05 g/cm³0.11 lb/in³

Melting Point (Solidus)

2,730°C4,946 °F
1,410°C2,570 °F

Porosity

0.5%
0.2%

Thermal

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

Thermal Conductivity

125 W/m·K72.2 BTU/hr·ft·°F
130 W/m·K75.1 BTU/hr·ft·°F

Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)

4 µm/m·K2.2 µin/in·°F
4.3 µm/m·K2.4 µin/in·°F

Max Service Temperature (continuous)

1,600°C2,912 °F
1,350°C2,462 °F

Same in both: Specific Heat Capacity 700 J/kg·K0.17 BTU/lb·°F · Min Service Temperature -200°C-328 °F

Electrical

Conductivity and insulation.

Electrical Resistivity

10 Ω·m3.94×10⁸ µΩ·in
0.001 Ω·m39,370 µΩ·in

Volume Resistivity

10,000 Ω·cm
0.1 Ω·cm

Chemical & Environmental

Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).

Corrosion Resistance

93 / 100
88 / 100

Manufacturability

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

Machinability

3 / 100
4 / 100

Polishability

92 / 100
80 / 100

Sintering / Firing Temperature

2,000°C3,632 °F
1,550°C2,822 °F

Sustainability

Primary-production footprint per kilogram.

Embodied Energy (primary production)

130 MJ/kg55,890 BTU/lb
105 MJ/kg45,142 BTU/lb

Embodied Carbon (primary production)

11 kg CO₂/kg
7.5 kg CO₂/kg

Embodied Water

180 L/kg21.6 gal/lb
90 L/kg10.8 gal/lb

Typical Recycled Content

0%
5%

Common Calculations

Ratios derived from the values above.

Specific Strength (UTS / density)

109 kN·m/kg
66 kN·m/kg

Specific Stiffness (E / density)

140.6 MN·m/kg
127.9 MN·m/kg

Thermal Diffusivity

55.8 mm²/s
60.9 mm²/s

Thermal Shock Resistance Index

24
16

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

CapabilityHPSiCRBSiC/SiSiC
Default condition——
Relative cost$$$$ High$$$$ High
Min. machined wall——
Best machined surface——

HPSiC vs RBSiC/SiSiC — frequently asked

Is HPSiC stronger than RBSiC/SiSiC?

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

Which is cheaper, HPSiC or RBSiC/SiSiC?

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 HPSiC over RBSiC/SiSiC?

Pick HPSiC when strength drives the design, or when surface hardness matters. Pick RBSiC/SiSiC when weight is the constraint.

Ready to make it?

Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in HPSiC and RBSiC/SiSiC 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.