PTC Ceramic vs PZT
Ceramic · grade comparison
PTC Ceramic and PZT are both ceramic grades. PZT is the stronger of the two: tensile strength 75 MPa (10.9 ksi) against 30 MPa (4.35 ksi) for PTC Ceramic, about 150% more. PTC Ceramic is harder — 500 HV against 350 HV for PZT — which matters for wear surfaces and threads. PTC Ceramic is lighter (5.6 g/cm³ vs 7.75 g/cm³ for PZT) and PTC Ceramic is stiffer (110 GPa vs 61 GPa).
PTC CeramicChoose it when surface hardness matters, or when weight is the constraint.
PZTChoose it when strength drives the design.
PTC Ceramic 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
Compressive Strength
Flexural Strength
Shear Strength
Hardness, Vickers
Hardness, Mohs
Hardness, Knoop
Same in both: Fracture Toughness (K_IC) 1 MPa·√m0.91 ksi·√in
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Density
Melting Point (Solidus)
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
Dielectric Strength
Volume Resistivity
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
Embodied Water
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 | PTC Ceramic | PZT |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | — | — |
| Relative cost | $$$$ High | $$$$ High |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
PTC Ceramic vs PZT — frequently asked
Is PZT stronger than PTC Ceramic?
Yes. PZT has a typical tensile strength of 75 MPa (10.9 ksi) against 30 MPa (4.35 ksi) for PTC Ceramic — about 150% more.
Which is cheaper, PTC Ceramic or PZT?
Both sit in the same relative cost tier ($$$$, high); the part price will be decided by machining time, tolerance and quantity rather than by the material.
When should I choose PTC Ceramic over PZT?
Pick PTC Ceramic when surface hardness matters, or when weight is the constraint. Pick PZT when strength drives the design.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in PTC Ceramic 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.