PC44 vs PZT-4
Ceramic · grade comparison
PC44 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 PC44, about 150% more. PZT-4 is the more ductile: elongation 0.1% versus 0% for PC44, and PC44 is harder (600 HV vs 320 HV). PC44 is lighter (4.8 g/cm³ vs 7.5 g/cm³ for PZT-4) and PC44 is stiffer (150 GPa vs 70 GPa). On the shop floor, PC44 sits in a lower cost tier (premium, $$$) than PZT-4 (high, $$$$).
PC44Choose it when weight is the constraint, or when cost is the deciding factor.
PZT-4Choose it when strength drives the design, or when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
PC44 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
Shear Strength
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
Hardness, Vickers
Hardness, Mohs
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)
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 | PC44 | PZT-4 |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | — | — |
| Relative cost | $$$ Premium | $$$$ High |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
PC44 vs PZT-4 — frequently asked
Is PZT-4 stronger than PC44?
Yes. PZT-4 has a typical tensile strength of 75 MPa (10.9 ksi) against 30 MPa (4.35 ksi) for PC44 — about 150% more.
Which is cheaper, PC44 or PZT-4?
PC44 is the lower-cost material: it sits in the premium tier ($$$) 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 PC44 over PZT-4?
Pick PC44 when weight is the constraint, or when cost is the deciding factor. 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 PC44 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.