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PZT vs PZT-5H

Ceramic · grade comparison

PZT and PZT-5H are both ceramic grades. PZT is harder — 350 HV against 320 HV for PZT-5H — which matters for wear surfaces and threads. PZT-5H is lighter (7.5 g/cm³ vs 7.75 g/cm³ for PZT) and PZT runs hotter in service (175°C vs 95°C continuous).

PZTChoose it when surface hardness matters, or when the part sees heat.

PZT-5HChoose it when weight is the constraint.

PZT vs PZT-5H: properties

PZTPZT-5H

Mechanical

Strength, stiffness, ductility and hardness at room temperature.

Elastic (Young's) Modulus

61 GPa8.8 Msi
60 GPa8.7 Msi

Bulk Modulus

55 GPa8 Msi
60 GPa8.7 Msi

Poisson's Ratio

0.31
0.33

Compressive Strength

600 MPa87 ksi
550 MPa79.8 ksi

Flexural Strength

85 MPa12.3 ksi
80 MPa11.6 ksi

Fracture Toughness (K_IC)

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

Hardness, Vickers

350 HV
320 HV

Hardness, Knoop

330 HK
300 HK

Hardness, Mohs

5
—

Same in both: Shear Modulus 23 GPa3.3 Msi · Tensile Strength (Ultimate) 75 MPa10.9 ksi

Physical

Density and transition temperatures.

Density

7.75 g/cm³0.28 lb/in³
7.5 g/cm³0.27 lb/in³

Porosity

1%
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
1.3 W/m·K0.72 BTU/hr·ft·°F

Specific Heat Capacity

380 J/kg·K0.09 BTU/lb·°F
350 J/kg·K0.08 BTU/lb·°F

Max Service Temperature (continuous)

175°C347 °F
95°C203 °F

Same in both: Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 4 µm/m·K2.2 µin/in·°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

5 kV/mm127 V/mil
3 kV/mm76.2 V/mil

Dielectric Constant (1 MHz)

1,700
3,400

Volume Resistivity

1×10¹² Ω·cm
1×10¹¹ Ω·cm

Same in both: Dissipation Factor (1 MHz) 0.02

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.

Machinability

8 / 100
6 / 100

Polishability

70 / 100
60 / 100

Same in both: Sintering / Firing Temperature 1,250°C2,282 °F

Sustainability

Primary-production footprint per kilogram.

Embodied Energy (primary production)

70 MJ/kg30,095 BTU/lb
95 MJ/kg40,843 BTU/lb

Embodied Carbon (primary production)

5.5 kg CO₂/kg
6.5 kg CO₂/kg

Embodied Water

60 L/kg7.2 gal/lb
—

Same in both: Typical Recycled Content 5%

Common Calculations

Ratios derived from the values above.

Specific Stiffness (E / density)

7.9 MN·m/kg
8 MN·m/kg

Thermal Diffusivity

0.4 mm²/s
0.5 mm²/s

Same in both: Specific Strength (UTS / density) 10 kN·m/kg · 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 scalePZT

Manufacturing and finishing

CapabilityPZTPZT-5H
Default condition——
Relative cost$$$$ High$$$$ High
Min. machined wall——
Best machined surface——

PZT vs PZT-5H — frequently asked

What is the difference between PZT and PZT-5H?

PZT and PZT-5H are both ceramic grades. PZT is harder — 350 HV against 320 HV for PZT-5H — which matters for wear surfaces and threads. PZT-5H is lighter (7.5 g/cm³ vs 7.75 g/cm³ for PZT) and PZT runs hotter in service (175°C vs 95°C continuous).

Which is cheaper, PZT or PZT-5H?

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 PZT over PZT-5H?

Pick PZT when surface hardness matters, or when the part sees heat. Pick PZT-5H when weight is the constraint.

Ready to make it?

Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in PZT and PZT-5H 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.