HPSiC vs Silicon Carbide
Ceramic · grade comparison
HPSiC and Silicon Carbide are both ceramic grades. HPSiC is the stronger of the two: tensile strength 350 MPa (50.8 ksi) against 250 MPa (36.3 ksi) for Silicon Carbide, about 40% more. HPSiC is stiffer (450 GPa vs 410 GPa).
HPSiCChoose it when strength drives the design.
HPSiC vs Silicon Carbide: 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
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Compressive Strength
Flexural Strength
Shear Strength
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
Hardness, Vickers
Hardness, Knoop
Hardness, Mohs
Same in both: Bulk Modulus 220 GPa31.9 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.16
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Density
Porosity
Refractive Index
Same in both: Melting Point (Solidus) 2,730°C4,946 °F
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Thermal Conductivity
Same in both: Specific Heat Capacity 700 J/kg·K0.17 BTU/lb·°F · Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 4 µm/m·K2.2 µin/in·°F · Max Service Temperature (continuous) 1,600°C2,912 °F · Min Service Temperature -200°C-328 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Volume Resistivity
Same in both: Electrical Resistivity 10 Ω·m3.94×10⁸ µΩ·in
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.
Sintering / Firing Temperature
Same in both: Machinability 3 / 100 · Polishability 92 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Embodied Energy (primary production)
Embodied Carbon (primary production)
Embodied Water
Typical Recycled Content
Common Calculations
Ratios derived from the values above.
Specific Strength (UTS / density)
Specific Stiffness (E / density)
Thermal Diffusivity
Thermal Shock Resistance Index
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 | HPSiC | Silicon Carbide |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | — | — |
| Relative cost | $$$$ High | $$$$ High |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
HPSiC vs Silicon Carbide — frequently asked
Is HPSiC stronger than Silicon Carbide?
Yes. HPSiC has a typical tensile strength of 350 MPa (50.8 ksi) against 250 MPa (36.3 ksi) for Silicon Carbide — about 40% more.
Which is cheaper, HPSiC or Silicon Carbide?
Both sit in the same relative cost tier ($$$$, high); the part price will be decided by machining time, tolerance and quantity rather than by the material.
When should I choose HPSiC over Silicon Carbide?
Pick HPSiC when strength drives the design.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in HPSiC and Silicon Carbide 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.