PZT-4 vs YSZ
Ceramic · grade comparison
PZT-4 and YSZ are both ceramic grades. YSZ is the stronger of the two: tensile strength 120 MPa (17.4 ksi) against 75 MPa (10.9 ksi) for PZT-4, about 60% more. In exchange, PZT-4 is the more ductile: elongation 0.1% versus 0% for YSZ, and YSZ is harder (1,300 HV vs 320 HV). YSZ is lighter (5.95 g/cm³ vs 7.5 g/cm³ for PZT-4) and YSZ is stiffer (200 GPa vs 70 GPa).
PZT-4Choose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
YSZChoose it when strength drives the design, or when weight is the constraint.
PZT-4 vs YSZ: 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
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Elongation at Break
Compressive Strength
Flexural Strength
Shear Strength
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
Hardness, Vickers
Hardness, Knoop
Hardness, Mohs
Same in both: Poisson's Ratio 0.31
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Density
Porosity
Melting Point (Solidus)
Refractive Index
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
Dielectric Constant (1 MHz)
Dissipation Factor (1 MHz)
Volume Resistivity
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)
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 | PZT-4 | YSZ |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | — | — |
| Relative cost | $$$$ High | $$$$ High |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
PZT-4 vs YSZ — frequently asked
Is YSZ stronger than PZT-4?
Yes. YSZ has a typical tensile strength of 120 MPa (17.4 ksi) against 75 MPa (10.9 ksi) for PZT-4 — about 60% more.
Which is cheaper, PZT-4 or YSZ?
Both sit in the same relative cost tier ($$$$, high); the part price will be decided by machining time, tolerance and quantity rather than by the material.
Which is easier to machine, PZT-4 or YSZ?
PZT-4, by a small margin. Both rate not recommended for machinability — 12/100 against 5/100 for YSZ.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in PZT-4 and YSZ 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.