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RBSiC/SiSiC vs SSiC

Ceramic · grade comparison

RBSiC/SiSiC and SSiC are both ceramic grades. SSiC is the stronger of the two: tensile strength 260 MPa (37.7 ksi) against 200 MPa (29 ksi) for RBSiC/SiSiC, about 30% more. SSiC is harder — 2,500 HV against 2,300 HV for RBSiC/SiSiC — which matters for wear surfaces and threads. SSiC runs hotter in service (1,600°C vs 1,350°C continuous).

SSiCChoose it when strength drives the design, or when surface hardness matters.

RBSiC/SiSiC vs SSiC: properties

RBSiC/SiSiCSSiC

Mechanical

Strength, stiffness, ductility and hardness at room temperature.

Elastic (Young's) Modulus

390 GPa56.6 Msi
410 GPa59.5 Msi

Shear Modulus

167 GPa24.2 Msi
175 GPa25.4 Msi

Bulk Modulus

191 GPa27.7 Msi
205 GPa29.7 Msi

Poisson's Ratio

0.17
0.16

Tensile Strength (Ultimate)

200 MPa29 ksi
260 MPa37.7 ksi

Elongation at Break

0%
—

Compressive Strength

2,500 MPa363 ksi
2,800 MPa406 ksi

Flexural Strength

320 MPa46.4 ksi
410 MPa59.5 ksi

Shear Strength

180 MPa26.1 ksi
—

Fracture Toughness (K_IC)

3.7 MPa·√m3.4 ksi·√in
3.5 MPa·√m3.2 ksi·√in

Hardness, Vickers

2,300 HV
2,500 HV

Hardness, Knoop

2,200 HK
2,400 HK

Hardness, Mohs

9.3
9.5

Physical

Density and transition temperatures.

Density

3.05 g/cm³0.11 lb/in³
3.12 g/cm³0.11 lb/in³

Melting Point (Solidus)

1,410°C2,570 °F
2,700°C4,892 °F

Porosity

0.2%
1%

Thermal

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

Thermal Conductivity

130 W/m·K75.1 BTU/hr·ft·°F
120 W/m·K69.3 BTU/hr·ft·°F

Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)

4.3 µm/m·K2.4 µin/in·°F
4 µm/m·K2.2 µin/in·°F

Max Service Temperature (continuous)

1,350°C2,462 °F
1,600°C2,912 °F

Same in both: Specific Heat Capacity 700 J/kg·K0.17 BTU/lb·°F · Min Service Temperature -200°C-328 °F

Electrical

Conductivity and insulation.

Electrical Resistivity

0.001 Ω·m39,370 µΩ·in
100 Ω·m3.94×10⁹ µΩ·in

Volume Resistivity

0.1 Ω·cm
10,000 Ω·cm

Chemical & Environmental

Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).

Corrosion Resistance

88 / 100
97 / 100

Manufacturability

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

Machinability

4 / 100
5 / 100

Polishability

80 / 100
92 / 100

Sintering / Firing Temperature

1,550°C2,822 °F
2,100°C3,812 °F

Sustainability

Primary-production footprint per kilogram.

Embodied Energy (primary production)

105 MJ/kg45,142 BTU/lb
110 MJ/kg47,292 BTU/lb

Embodied Carbon (primary production)

7.5 kg CO₂/kg
8 kg CO₂/kg

Embodied Water

90 L/kg10.8 gal/lb
200 L/kg24 gal/lb

Same in both: Typical Recycled Content 5%

Common Calculations

Ratios derived from the values above.

Specific Strength (UTS / density)

66 kN·m/kg
83 kN·m/kg

Specific Stiffness (E / density)

127.9 MN·m/kg
131.4 MN·m/kg

Thermal Diffusivity

60.9 mm²/s
54.9 mm²/s

Thermal Shock Resistance Index

16
19

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 scale

Manufacturing and finishing

CapabilityRBSiC/SiSiCSSiC
Default condition——
Relative cost$$$$ High$$$$ High
Min. machined wall——
Best machined surface——

RBSiC/SiSiC vs SSiC — frequently asked

Is SSiC stronger than RBSiC/SiSiC?

Yes. SSiC has a typical tensile strength of 260 MPa (37.7 ksi) against 200 MPa (29 ksi) for RBSiC/SiSiC — about 30% more.

Which is cheaper, RBSiC/SiSiC or SSiC?

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 RBSiC/SiSiC over SSiC?

Pick SSiC when strength drives the design, or when surface hardness matters.

Ready to make it?

Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in RBSiC/SiSiC and SSiC 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.