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LiTaO3 vs PZT

Ceramic · grade comparison

LiTaO3 and PZT are both ceramic grades. LiTaO3 is harder — 900 HV against 350 HV for PZT — which matters for wear surfaces and threads. LiTaO3 is lighter (7.45 g/cm³ vs 7.75 g/cm³ for PZT) and LiTaO3 is stiffer (225 GPa vs 61 GPa).

LiTaO3Choose it when surface hardness matters, or when weight is the constraint.

LiTaO3 vs PZT: properties

LiTaO3PZT

Mechanical

Strength, stiffness, ductility and hardness at room temperature.

Elastic (Young's) Modulus

225 GPa32.6 Msi
61 GPa8.8 Msi

Shear Modulus

94 GPa13.6 Msi
23 GPa3.3 Msi

Bulk Modulus

128 GPa18.6 Msi
55 GPa8 Msi

Poisson's Ratio

0.25
0.31

Compressive Strength

1,500 MPa218 ksi
600 MPa87 ksi

Flexural Strength

130 MPa18.9 ksi
85 MPa12.3 ksi

Fracture Toughness (K_IC)

0.9 MPa·√m0.82 ksi·√in
1 MPa·√m0.91 ksi·√in

Hardness, Vickers

900 HV
350 HV

Hardness, Knoop

940 HK
330 HK

Hardness, Mohs

5.5
5

Tensile Strength (Ultimate)

—
75 MPa10.9 ksi

Physical

Density and transition temperatures.

Density

7.45 g/cm³0.27 lb/in³
7.75 g/cm³0.28 lb/in³

Melting Point (Solidus)

1,650°C3,002 °F
—

Refractive Index

2.18
—

Light Transmission

74%
—

Porosity

0%
1%

Thermal

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

Thermal Conductivity

4.6 W/m·K2.7 BTU/hr·ft·°F
1.3 W/m·K0.75 BTU/hr·ft·°F

Specific Heat Capacity

424 J/kg·K0.1 BTU/lb·°F
380 J/kg·K0.09 BTU/lb·°F

Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)

16.1 µm/m·K8.9 µin/in·°F
4 µm/m·K2.2 µin/in·°F

Max Service Temperature (continuous)

500°C932 °F
175°C347 °F

Min Service Temperature

-196°C-321 °F
-50°C-58 °F

Electrical

Conductivity and insulation.

Electrical Resistivity

1×10¹¹ Ω·m3.94×10¹⁸ µΩ·in
1×10¹⁰ Ω·m3.94×10¹⁷ µΩ·in

Dielectric Constant (1 MHz)

45
1,700

Dissipation Factor (1 MHz)

5×10⁻⁴
0.02

Volume Resistivity

1×10¹³ Ω·cm
1×10¹² Ω·cm

Dielectric Strength

—
5 kV/mm127 V/mil

Chemical & Environmental

Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).

Corrosion Resistance

70 / 100
60 / 100

Manufacturability

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

Machinability

10 / 100
8 / 100

Polishability

90 / 100
70 / 100

Sintering / Firing Temperature

—
1,250°C2,282 °F

Sustainability

Primary-production footprint per kilogram.

Embodied Energy (primary production)

1,800 MJ/kg773,861 BTU/lb
70 MJ/kg30,095 BTU/lb

Embodied Carbon (primary production)

120 kg CO₂/kg
5.5 kg CO₂/kg

Embodied Water

900 L/kg108 gal/lb
60 L/kg7.2 gal/lb

Same in both: Typical Recycled Content 5%

Common Calculations

Ratios derived from the values above.

Specific Stiffness (E / density)

30.2 MN·m/kg
7.9 MN·m/kg

Thermal Diffusivity

1.5 mm²/s
0.4 mm²/s

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 scalePZT

Manufacturing and finishing

CapabilityLiTaO3PZT
Default condition——
Relative cost$$$$ High$$$$ High
Min. machined wall——
Best machined surface——

LiTaO3 vs PZT — frequently asked

What is the difference between LiTaO3 and PZT?

LiTaO3 and PZT are both ceramic grades. LiTaO3 is harder — 900 HV against 350 HV for PZT — which matters for wear surfaces and threads. LiTaO3 is lighter (7.45 g/cm³ vs 7.75 g/cm³ for PZT) and LiTaO3 is stiffer (225 GPa vs 61 GPa).

Which is cheaper, LiTaO3 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 LiTaO3 over PZT?

Pick LiTaO3 when surface hardness matters, or when weight is the constraint.

Ready to make it?

Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in LiTaO3 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.