PZT vs X5R
Ceramic · grade comparison
PZT and X5R are both ceramic grades. PZT is the stronger of the two: tensile strength 75 MPa (10.9 ksi) against 50 MPa (7.25 ksi) for X5R, about 50% more. X5R is harder — 560 HV against 350 HV for PZT — which matters for wear surfaces and threads. X5R is lighter (5.75 g/cm³ vs 7.75 g/cm³ for PZT) and X5R is stiffer (115 GPa vs 61 GPa).
PZTChoose it when strength drives the design, or when the part sees heat.
X5RChoose it when surface hardness matters, or when weight is the constraint.
PZT vs X5R: 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)
Compressive Strength
Flexural Strength
Hardness, Vickers
Hardness, Knoop
Hardness, Mohs
Elongation at Break
Shear Strength
Same in both: Fracture Toughness (K_IC) 1 MPa·√m0.91 ksi·√in
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.
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).
Corrosion Resistance
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability
Same in both: Polishability 70 / 100 · Sintering / Firing Temperature 1,250°C2,282 °F
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Embodied Carbon (primary production)
Embodied Water
Typical Recycled Content
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 70 MJ/kg30,095 BTU/lb
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 | X5R |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | — | — |
| Relative cost | $$$$ High | $$$$ High |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
PZT vs X5R — frequently asked
Is PZT stronger than X5R?
Yes. PZT has a typical tensile strength of 75 MPa (10.9 ksi) against 50 MPa (7.25 ksi) for X5R — about 50% more.
Which is cheaper, PZT or X5R?
Both sit in the same relative cost tier ($$$$, high); the part price will be decided by machining time, tolerance and quantity rather than by the material.
When should I choose PZT over X5R?
Pick PZT when strength drives the design, or when the part sees heat. Pick X5R when surface hardness matters, or when weight is the constraint.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in PZT and X5R 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.