N87 vs PZT-4
Ceramic · grade comparison
N87 and PZT-4 are both ceramic grades. PZT-4 is the stronger of the two: tensile strength 75 MPa (10.9 ksi) against 30 MPa (4.35 ksi) for N87, about 150% more. PZT-4 is the more ductile: elongation 0.1% versus 0% for N87, and N87 is harder (600 HV vs 320 HV). N87 is lighter (4.85 g/cm³ vs 7.5 g/cm³ for PZT-4) and N87 is stiffer (150 GPa vs 70 GPa). On the shop floor, N87 sits in a lower cost tier (premium, $$$) than PZT-4 (high, $$$$).
N87Choose it when weight is the constraint, or when the part sees heat.
PZT-4Choose it when strength drives the design, or when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
N87 vs PZT-4: 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
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Elongation at Break
Compressive Strength
Flexural Strength
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
Hardness, Vickers
Hardness, Mohs
Shear Strength
Hardness, Knoop
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Density
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)
Min Service Temperature
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Electrical Resistivity
Volume Resistivity
Dielectric Strength
Dielectric Constant (1 MHz)
Dissipation Factor (1 MHz)
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)
Embodied Water
Typical Recycled Content
Common Calculations
Ratios derived from the values above.
Specific Strength (UTS / density)
Specific Stiffness (E / density)
Thermal Diffusivity
Same in both: Thermal Shock Resistance Index 0
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 | N87 | PZT-4 |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | — | — |
| Relative cost | $$$ Premium | $$$$ High |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
N87 vs PZT-4 — frequently asked
Is PZT-4 stronger than N87?
Yes. PZT-4 has a typical tensile strength of 75 MPa (10.9 ksi) against 30 MPa (4.35 ksi) for N87 — about 150% more.
Which is cheaper, N87 or PZT-4?
N87 is the lower-cost material: it sits in the premium tier ($$$) while PZT-4 is high ($$$$). Part price depends far more on geometry, tolerance and quantity than on raw stock — upload a CAD file for a live quote.
When should I choose N87 over PZT-4?
Pick N87 when weight is the constraint, or when the part sees heat. Pick PZT-4 when strength drives the design, or when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in N87 and PZT-4 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.