KNN vs PZT
Ceramic · grade comparison
KNN and PZT are both ceramic grades. KNN is harder — 400 HV against 350 HV for PZT — which matters for wear surfaces and threads. KNN is lighter (4.5 g/cm³ vs 7.75 g/cm³ for PZT) and KNN is stiffer (105 GPa vs 61 GPa).
KNNChoose it when surface hardness matters, or when weight is the constraint.
PZTChoose it when the part sees heat.
KNN vs PZT: 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
Bulk Modulus
Poisson's Ratio
Compressive Strength
Flexural Strength
Hardness, Vickers
Hardness, Mohs
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Hardness, Knoop
Same in both: Fracture Toughness (K_IC) 1 MPa·√m0.91 ksi·√in
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Density
Melting Point (Solidus)
Refractive Index
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)
Same in both: Min Service Temperature -50°C-58 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Electrical Resistivity
Dielectric Strength
Dielectric Constant (1 MHz)
Dissipation Factor (1 MHz)
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.
Sintering / Firing Temperature
Same in both: Machinability 8 / 100 · Polishability 70 / 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 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 | KNN | PZT |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | — | — |
| Relative cost | $$$$ High | $$$$ High |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
KNN vs PZT — frequently asked
What is the difference between KNN and PZT?
KNN and PZT are both ceramic grades. KNN is harder — 400 HV against 350 HV for PZT — which matters for wear surfaces and threads. KNN is lighter (4.5 g/cm³ vs 7.75 g/cm³ for PZT) and KNN is stiffer (105 GPa vs 61 GPa).
Which is cheaper, KNN or PZT?
Both sit in the same relative cost tier ($$$$, high); the part price will be decided by machining time, tolerance and quantity rather than by the material.
When should I choose KNN over PZT?
Pick KNN when surface hardness matters, or when weight is the constraint. Pick PZT when the part sees heat.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in KNN and PZT 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.