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PbNb2O6 vs PZT-4

Ceramic · grade comparison

PbNb2O6 and PZT-4 are both ceramic grades. PZT-4 is the stronger of the two: tensile strength 75 MPa (10.9 ksi) against 25 MPa (3.63 ksi) for PbNb2O6, about 3.0 times as much. PZT-4 is the more ductile: elongation 0.1% versus 0.05% for PbNb2O6, and PZT-4 is harder (320 HV vs 300 HV). PbNb2O6 is lighter (5.9 g/cm³ vs 7.5 g/cm³ for PZT-4) and PZT-4 is stiffer (70 GPa vs 45 GPa).

PbNb2O6Choose 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.

PbNb2O6 vs PZT-4: properties

PbNb2O6PZT-4

Mechanical

Strength, stiffness, ductility and hardness at room temperature.

Elastic (Young's) Modulus

45 GPa6.5 Msi
70 GPa10.2 Msi

Shear Modulus

18 GPa2.6 Msi
26 GPa3.8 Msi

Poisson's Ratio

0.24
0.31

Tensile Strength (Ultimate)

25 MPa3.6 ksi
75 MPa10.9 ksi

Elongation at Break

0.05%
0.1%

Compressive Strength

350 MPa50.8 ksi
520 MPa75.4 ksi

Flexural Strength

55 MPa8 ksi
85 MPa12.3 ksi

Shear Strength

35 MPa5.1 ksi
65 MPa9.4 ksi

Fracture Toughness (K_IC)

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

Hardness, Vickers

300 HV
320 HV

Bulk Modulus

—
60 GPa8.7 Msi

Hardness, Knoop

—
300 HK

Same in both: Hardness, Mohs 5

Physical

Density and transition temperatures.

Density

5.9 g/cm³0.21 lb/in³
7.5 g/cm³0.27 lb/in³

Melting Point (Solidus)

1,350°C2,462 °F
—

Porosity

5%
1%

Thermal

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

Thermal Conductivity

1.5 W/m·K0.87 BTU/hr·ft·°F
1.3 W/m·K0.72 BTU/hr·ft·°F

Specific Heat Capacity

320 J/kg·K0.08 BTU/lb·°F
350 J/kg·K0.08 BTU/lb·°F

Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)

3.5 µm/m·K1.9 µin/in·°F
4 µm/m·K2.2 µin/in·°F

Max Service Temperature (continuous)

400°C752 °F
160°C320 °F

Min Service Temperature

-196°C-321 °F
-50°C-58 °F

Electrical

Conductivity and insulation.

Electrical Resistivity

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

Dielectric Strength

6 kV/mm152 V/mil
10 kV/mm254 V/mil

Dielectric Constant (1 MHz)

225
1,300

Dissipation Factor (1 MHz)

0.01
0.004

Volume Resistivity

1×10¹² Ω·cm
1×10¹³ Ω·cm

Chemical & Environmental

Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).

Same in both: Corrosion Resistance 65 / 100

Manufacturability

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

Machinability

6 / 100
12 / 100

Polishability

45 / 100
70 / 100

Sintering / Firing Temperature

1,270°C2,318 °F
1,275°C2,327 °F

Common Calculations

Ratios derived from the values above.

Specific Strength (UTS / density)

4 kN·m/kg
10 kN·m/kg

Specific Stiffness (E / density)

7.6 MN·m/kg
9.3 MN·m/kg

Thermal Diffusivity

0.8 mm²/s
0.5 mm²/s

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.

501002005001,000234567Density (g/cm³)Yield strength (MPa) — log scale

Manufacturing and finishing

CapabilityPbNb2O6PZT-4
Default condition——
Relative cost$$$$ High$$$$ High
Min. machined wall——
Best machined surface——

PbNb2O6 vs PZT-4 — frequently asked

Is PZT-4 stronger than PbNb2O6?

Yes. PZT-4 has a typical tensile strength of 75 MPa (10.9 ksi) against 25 MPa (3.63 ksi) for PbNb2O6 — about 3.0 times as much.

Which is cheaper, PbNb2O6 or PZT-4?

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, PbNb2O6 or PZT-4?

PZT-4, by a small margin. Both rate not recommended for machinability — 12/100 against 6/100 for PbNb2O6.

Ready to make it?

Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in PbNb2O6 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.