Sialon vs Silicon Nitride
Ceramic · grade comparison
Sialon and Silicon Nitride are both ceramic grades. Silicon Nitride is the stronger of the two: tensile strength 450 MPa (65.3 ksi) against 350 MPa (50.8 ksi) for Sialon, about 29% more. Silicon Nitride is stiffer (310 GPa vs 288 GPa) and Silicon Nitride conducts heat better (25 W/m·K vs 21 W/m·K).
Silicon NitrideChoose it when strength drives the design.
Sialon vs Silicon Nitride: 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)
Compressive Strength
Flexural Strength
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
Hardness, Vickers
Hardness, Knoop
Elongation at Break
Same in both: Poisson's Ratio 0.27 · Hardness, Mohs 9
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Density
Melting Point (Solidus)
Porosity
Light Transmission
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Thermal Conductivity
Specific Heat Capacity
Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)
Min Service Temperature
Same in both: Max Service Temperature (continuous) 1,200°C2,192 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Electrical Resistivity
Dielectric Constant (1 MHz)
Dissipation Factor (1 MHz)
Volume Resistivity
Same in both: Dielectric Strength 15 kV/mm381 V/mil
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
Same in both: Sintering / Firing Temperature 1,750°C3,182 °F
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Embodied Energy (primary production)
Embodied Carbon (primary production)
Embodied Water
Same in both: Typical Recycled Content 0%
Common Calculations
Ratios derived from the values above.
Specific Strength (UTS / density)
Specific Stiffness (E / density)
Thermal Diffusivity
Thermal Shock Resistance Index
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 | Sialon | Silicon Nitride |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | — | — |
| Relative cost | $$$$ High | $$$$ High |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
Sialon vs Silicon Nitride — frequently asked
Is Silicon Nitride stronger than Sialon?
Yes. Silicon Nitride has a typical tensile strength of 450 MPa (65.3 ksi) against 350 MPa (50.8 ksi) for Sialon — about 29% more.
Which is cheaper, Sialon or Silicon Nitride?
Both sit in the same relative cost tier ($$$$, high); the part price will be decided by machining time, tolerance and quantity rather than by the material.
When should I choose Sialon over Silicon Nitride?
Pick Silicon Nitride when strength drives the design.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in Sialon and Silicon Nitride 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.