PLZT vs PZT
Ceramic · grade comparison
PLZT and PZT are both ceramic grades. PZT 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 350 HV for PZT — which matters for wear surfaces and threads. PLZT is stiffer (68 GPa vs 61 GPa) and PZT runs hotter in service (175°C vs 80°C continuous).
PLZTChoose it when surface hardness matters.
PZTChoose it when strength drives the design, or when the part sees heat.
PLZT vs PZT: 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
Flexural Strength
Shear Strength
Hardness, Vickers
Hardness, Knoop
Hardness, Mohs
Same in both: Compressive Strength 600 MPa87 ksi · Fracture Toughness (K_IC) 1 MPa·√m0.91 ksi·√in
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Density
Melting Point (Solidus)
Refractive Index
Light Transmission
Porosity
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Specific Heat Capacity
Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Same in both: Thermal Conductivity 1.3 W/m·K0.75 BTU/hr·ft·°F · Min Service Temperature -50°C-58 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Dielectric Strength
Dielectric Constant (1 MHz)
Dissipation Factor (1 MHz)
Same in both: Electrical Resistivity 1×10¹⁰ Ω·m3.94×10¹⁷ µΩ·in · Volume Resistivity 1×10¹² Ω·cm
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Same in both: Corrosion Resistance 60 / 100
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Polishability
Same in both: Machinability 8 / 100 · Sintering / Firing Temperature 1,250°C2,282 °F
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 | PLZT | PZT |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | — | — |
| Relative cost | $$$$ High | $$$$ High |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
PLZT vs PZT — frequently asked
Is PZT stronger than PLZT?
Yes. PZT has a typical tensile strength of 75 MPa (10.9 ksi) against 40 MPa (5.8 ksi) for PLZT — about 88% more.
Which is cheaper, PLZT or PZT?
Both sit in the same relative cost tier ($$$$, 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?
Pick PLZT when surface hardness matters. Pick PZT when strength drives the design, or when the part sees heat.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in PLZT 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.