Impervious Graphite vs RVC
Ceramic · grade comparison
Impervious Graphite and RVC are both ceramic grades. Impervious Graphite is the stronger of the two: tensile strength 25 MPa (3.63 ksi) against 0.42 MPa (0.0609 ksi) for RVC, about 60 times as much. RVC is lighter (0.05 g/cm³ vs 1.8 g/cm³ for Impervious Graphite) and Impervious Graphite is stiffer (12 GPa vs 0.11 GPa). On the shop floor, Impervious Graphite machines more easily (very good vs fair).
Impervious GraphiteChoose it when strength drives the design, or when the part is machined in volume.
RVCChoose it when weight is the constraint, or when the part sees heat.
Impervious Graphite vs RVC: 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
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Compressive Strength
Flexural Strength
Shear Strength
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
Hardness, Vickers
Hardness, Mohs
Same in both: Poisson's Ratio 0.2 · Elongation at Break 0.3%
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Density
Porosity
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Thermal Conductivity
Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Min Service Temperature
Same in both: Specific Heat Capacity 710 J/kg·K0.17 BTU/lb·°F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Electrical Resistivity
Volume Resistivity
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.
Machinability
Polishability
Sintering / Firing Temperature
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Embodied Energy (primary production)
Embodied Carbon (primary production)
Same in both: Typical Recycled Content 0%
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 | Impervious Graphite | RVC |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | — | — |
| Relative cost | $$$$ High | $$$$ High |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
Impervious Graphite vs RVC — frequently asked
Is Impervious Graphite stronger than RVC?
Yes. Impervious Graphite has a typical tensile strength of 25 MPa (3.63 ksi) against 0.42 MPa (0.0609 ksi) for RVC — about 60 times as much.
Which is cheaper, Impervious Graphite or RVC?
Both sit in the same relative cost tier ($$$$, high); the part price will be decided by machining time, tolerance and quantity rather than by the material.
Which is easier to machine, Impervious Graphite or RVC?
Impervious Graphite. Its machinability rates very good (80/100) against fair (35/100) for RVC.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in Impervious Graphite and RVC 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.