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HPSiC vs SSiC

Ceramic · grade comparison

HPSiC and SSiC are both ceramic grades. HPSiC is the stronger of the two: tensile strength 350 MPa (50.8 ksi) against 260 MPa (37.7 ksi) for SSiC, about 35% more. HPSiC is stiffer (450 GPa vs 410 GPa).

HPSiCChoose it when strength drives the design.

HPSiC vs SSiC: properties

HPSiCSSiC

Mechanical

Strength, stiffness, ductility and hardness at room temperature.

Elastic (Young's) Modulus

450 GPa65.3 Msi
410 GPa59.5 Msi

Shear Modulus

193 GPa28 Msi
175 GPa25.4 Msi

Bulk Modulus

220 GPa31.9 Msi
205 GPa29.7 Msi

Tensile Strength (Ultimate)

350 MPa50.8 ksi
260 MPa37.7 ksi

Compressive Strength

3,900 MPa566 ksi
2,800 MPa406 ksi

Flexural Strength

600 MPa87 ksi
410 MPa59.5 ksi

Shear Strength

380 MPa55.1 ksi
—

Fracture Toughness (K_IC)

4 MPa·√m3.6 ksi·√in
3.5 MPa·√m3.2 ksi·√in

Hardness, Vickers

2,600 HV
2,500 HV

Hardness, Knoop

2,500 HK
2,400 HK

Same in both: Poisson's Ratio 0.16 · Hardness, Mohs 9.5

Physical

Density and transition temperatures.

Density

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

Melting Point (Solidus)

2,730°C4,946 °F
2,700°C4,892 °F

Porosity

0.5%
1%

Thermal

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

Thermal Conductivity

125 W/m·K72.2 BTU/hr·ft·°F
120 W/m·K69.3 BTU/hr·ft·°F

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.

Electrical Resistivity

10 Ω·m3.94×10⁸ µΩ·in
100 Ω·m3.94×10⁹ µΩ·in

Same in both: Volume Resistivity 10,000 Ω·cm

Chemical & Environmental

Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).

Corrosion Resistance

93 / 100
97 / 100

Manufacturability

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

Machinability

3 / 100
5 / 100

Sintering / Firing Temperature

2,000°C3,632 °F
2,100°C3,812 °F

Same in both: Polishability 92 / 100

Sustainability

Primary-production footprint per kilogram.

Embodied Energy (primary production)

130 MJ/kg55,890 BTU/lb
110 MJ/kg47,292 BTU/lb

Embodied Carbon (primary production)

11 kg CO₂/kg
8 kg CO₂/kg

Embodied Water

180 L/kg21.6 gal/lb
200 L/kg24 gal/lb

Typical Recycled Content

0%
5%

Common Calculations

Ratios derived from the values above.

Specific Strength (UTS / density)

109 kN·m/kg
83 kN·m/kg

Specific Stiffness (E / density)

140.6 MN·m/kg
131.4 MN·m/kg

Thermal Diffusivity

55.8 mm²/s
54.9 mm²/s

Thermal Shock Resistance Index

24
19

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

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

HPSiC vs SSiC — frequently asked

Is HPSiC stronger than SSiC?

Yes. HPSiC has a typical tensile strength of 350 MPa (50.8 ksi) against 260 MPa (37.7 ksi) for SSiC — about 35% more.

Which is cheaper, HPSiC or SSiC?

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 SSiC?

Pick HPSiC when strength drives the design.

Ready to make it?

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