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PLZT vs PZT-2

Ceramic · grade comparison

PLZT and PZT-2 are both ceramic grades. PZT-2 is the stronger of the two: tensile strength 75 MPa (10.9 ksi) against 40 MPa (5.8 ksi) for PLZT, about 88% more. PLZT is harder — 380 HV against 320 HV for PZT-2 — which matters for wear surfaces and threads. PZT-2 is lighter (7.6 g/cm³ vs 7.85 g/cm³ for PLZT) and PZT-2 is stiffer (86 GPa vs 68 GPa).

PLZTChoose it when surface hardness matters.

PZT-2Choose it when strength drives the design, or when weight is the constraint.

PLZT vs PZT-2: properties

PLZTPZT-2

Mechanical

Strength, stiffness, ductility and hardness at room temperature.

Elastic (Young's) Modulus

68 GPa9.9 Msi
86 GPa12.5 Msi

Shear Modulus

27 GPa3.9 Msi
32 GPa4.6 Msi

Bulk Modulus

47 GPa6.8 Msi
76 GPa11 Msi

Poisson's Ratio

0.26
0.31

Tensile Strength (Ultimate)

40 MPa5.8 ksi
75 MPa10.9 ksi

Elongation at Break

0.05%
—

Shear Strength

55 MPa8 ksi
—

Fracture Toughness (K_IC)

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

Hardness, Vickers

380 HV
320 HV

Hardness, Knoop

360 HK
—

Hardness, Mohs

5.5
5

Same in both: Compressive Strength 600 MPa87 ksi · Flexural Strength 80 MPa11.6 ksi

Physical

Density and transition temperatures.

Density

7.85 g/cm³0.28 lb/in³
7.6 g/cm³0.27 lb/in³

Melting Point (Solidus)

1,300°C2,372 °F
—

Refractive Index

2.5
—

Light Transmission

65%
—

Porosity

0.05%
1.5%

Thermal

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

Thermal Conductivity

1.3 W/m·K0.75 BTU/hr·ft·°F
1.2 W/m·K0.69 BTU/hr·ft·°F

Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)

5 µm/m·K2.8 µin/in·°F
4 µm/m·K2.2 µin/in·°F

Max Service Temperature (continuous)

80°C176 °F
185°C365 °F

Same in both: Specific Heat Capacity 350 J/kg·K0.08 BTU/lb·°F · Min Service Temperature -50°C-58 °F

Electrical

Conductivity and insulation.

Electrical Resistivity

1×10¹⁰ Ω·m3.94×10¹⁷ µΩ·in
1×10⁹ Ω·m3.94×10¹⁶ µΩ·in

Dielectric Strength

10 kV/mm254 V/mil
4 kV/mm102 V/mil

Dielectric Constant (1 MHz)

3,000
450

Dissipation Factor (1 MHz)

0.04
0.005

Volume Resistivity

1×10¹² Ω·cm
1×10¹¹ Ω·cm

Chemical & Environmental

Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).

Corrosion Resistance

60 / 100
70 / 100

Manufacturability

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

Polishability

90 / 100
70 / 100

Sintering / Firing Temperature

1,250°C2,282 °F
1,260°C2,300 °F

Same in both: Machinability 8 / 100

Sustainability

Primary-production footprint per kilogram.

Embodied Energy (primary production)

100 MJ/kg42,992 BTU/lb
55 MJ/kg23,646 BTU/lb

Embodied Carbon (primary production)

9 kg CO₂/kg
4.5 kg CO₂/kg

Embodied Water

150 L/kg18 gal/lb
90 L/kg10.8 gal/lb

Typical Recycled Content

0%
5%

Common Calculations

Ratios derived from the values above.

Specific Strength (UTS / density)

5 kN·m/kg
10 kN·m/kg

Specific Stiffness (E / density)

8.7 MN·m/kg
11.3 MN·m/kg

Same in both: Thermal Diffusivity 0.5 mm²/s · 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

CapabilityPLZTPZT-2
Default condition——
Relative cost$$$$ High$$$$ High
Min. machined wall——
Best machined surface——

PLZT vs PZT-2 — frequently asked

Is PZT-2 stronger than PLZT?

Yes. PZT-2 has a typical tensile strength of 75 MPa (10.9 ksi) against 40 MPa (5.8 ksi) for PLZT — about 88% more.

Which is cheaper, PLZT or PZT-2?

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 PLZT over PZT-2?

Pick PLZT when surface hardness matters. Pick PZT-2 when strength drives the design, or when weight is the constraint.

Ready to make it?

Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in PLZT and PZT-2 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.