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PZT vs X8R

Ceramic · grade comparison

PZT and X8R are both ceramic grades. PZT is the stronger of the two: tensile strength 75 MPa (10.9 ksi) against 70 MPa (10.2 ksi) for X8R, about 7% more. X8R is harder — 600 HV against 350 HV for PZT — which matters for wear surfaces and threads. X8R is lighter (5.75 g/cm³ vs 7.75 g/cm³ for PZT) and X8R is stiffer (115 GPa vs 61 GPa).

PZTChoose it when strength drives the design, or when the part sees heat.

X8RChoose it when surface hardness matters, or when weight is the constraint.

PZT vs X8R: properties

PZTX8R

Mechanical

Strength, stiffness, ductility and hardness at room temperature.

Elastic (Young's) Modulus

61 GPa8.8 Msi
115 GPa16.7 Msi

Shear Modulus

23 GPa3.3 Msi
45 GPa6.5 Msi

Bulk Modulus

55 GPa8 Msi
96 GPa13.9 Msi

Poisson's Ratio

0.31
0.3

Tensile Strength (Ultimate)

75 MPa10.9 ksi
70 MPa10.2 ksi

Compressive Strength

600 MPa87 ksi
620 MPa89.9 ksi

Flexural Strength

85 MPa12.3 ksi
140 MPa20.3 ksi

Hardness, Vickers

350 HV
600 HV

Hardness, Knoop

330 HK
—

Hardness, Mohs

5
6

Same in both: Fracture Toughness (K_IC) 1 MPa·√m0.91 ksi·√in

Physical

Density and transition temperatures.

Density

7.75 g/cm³0.28 lb/in³
5.75 g/cm³0.21 lb/in³

Porosity

1%
0.5%

Melting Point (Solidus)

—
1,610°C2,930 °F

Thermal

How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.

Thermal Conductivity

1.3 W/m·K0.75 BTU/hr·ft·°F
3 W/m·K1.7 BTU/hr·ft·°F

Specific Heat Capacity

380 J/kg·K0.09 BTU/lb·°F
450 J/kg·K0.11 BTU/lb·°F

Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)

4 µm/m·K2.2 µin/in·°F
10 µm/m·K5.6 µin/in·°F

Max Service Temperature (continuous)

175°C347 °F
150°C302 °F

Min Service Temperature

-50°C-58 °F
-55°C-67 °F

Electrical

Conductivity and insulation.

Electrical Resistivity

1×10¹⁰ Ω·m3.94×10¹⁷ µΩ·in
1×10¹¹ Ω·m3.94×10¹⁸ µΩ·in

Dielectric Strength

5 kV/mm127 V/mil
25 kV/mm635 V/mil

Dielectric Constant (1 MHz)

1,700
2,200

Dissipation Factor (1 MHz)

0.02
0.025

Volume Resistivity

1×10¹² Ω·cm
1×10¹³ Ω·cm

Chemical & Environmental

Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).

Corrosion Resistance

60 / 100
85 / 100

Manufacturability

FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.

Machinability

8 / 100
5 / 100

Polishability

70 / 100
75 / 100

Sintering / Firing Temperature

1,250°C2,282 °F
1,280°C2,336 °F

Sustainability

Primary-production footprint per kilogram.

Embodied Energy (primary production)

70 MJ/kg30,095 BTU/lb
65 MJ/kg27,945 BTU/lb

Embodied Water

60 L/kg7.2 gal/lb
120 L/kg14.4 gal/lb

Typical Recycled Content

5%
0%

Same in both: Embodied Carbon (primary production) 5.5 kg CO₂/kg

Common Calculations

Ratios derived from the values above.

Specific Strength (UTS / density)

10 kN·m/kg
12 kN·m/kg

Specific Stiffness (E / density)

7.9 MN·m/kg
20 MN·m/kg

Thermal Diffusivity

0.4 mm²/s
1.2 mm²/s

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.

501002005001,000234567Density (g/cm³)Yield strength (MPa) — log scalePZT

Manufacturing and finishing

CapabilityPZTX8R
Default condition——
Relative cost$$$$ High$$$$ High
Min. machined wall——
Best machined surface——

PZT vs X8R — frequently asked

Is PZT stronger than X8R?

Yes. PZT has a typical tensile strength of 75 MPa (10.9 ksi) against 70 MPa (10.2 ksi) for X8R — about 7% more.

Which is cheaper, PZT or X8R?

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 X8R?

Pick PZT when strength drives the design, or when the part sees heat. Pick X8R 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 X8R 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.