Silicon Nitride vs TiN
Ceramic · grade comparison
Silicon Nitride and TiN are both ceramic grades. TiN is harder — 1,900 HV against 1,500 HV for Silicon Nitride — which matters for wear surfaces and threads. Silicon Nitride is lighter (3.22 g/cm³ vs 5.22 g/cm³ for TiN) and Silicon Nitride is stiffer (310 GPa vs 250 GPa).
Silicon NitrideChoose it when weight is the constraint, or when the part sees heat.
TiNChoose it when surface hardness matters.
Silicon Nitride vs TiN: 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)
Elongation at Break
Compressive Strength
Flexural Strength
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
Hardness, Vickers
Hardness, Knoop
Same in both: Hardness, Mohs 9
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Density
Melting Point (Solidus)
Light Transmission
Porosity
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.
Electrical Resistivity
Dielectric Strength
Dielectric Constant (1 MHz)
Dissipation Factor (1 MHz)
Volume Resistivity
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
Sintering / Firing Temperature
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 Stiffness (E / density)
Thermal Diffusivity
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 | Silicon Nitride | TiN |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | — | — |
| Relative cost | $$$$ High | $$$$ High |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
Silicon Nitride vs TiN — frequently asked
What is the difference between Silicon Nitride and TiN?
Silicon Nitride and TiN are both ceramic grades. TiN is harder — 1,900 HV against 1,500 HV for Silicon Nitride — which matters for wear surfaces and threads. Silicon Nitride is lighter (3.22 g/cm³ vs 5.22 g/cm³ for TiN) and Silicon Nitride is stiffer (310 GPa vs 250 GPa).
Which is cheaper, Silicon Nitride or TiN?
Both sit in the same relative cost tier ($$$$, high); the part price will be decided by machining time, tolerance and quantity rather than by the material.
When should I choose Silicon Nitride over TiN?
Pick Silicon Nitride when weight is the constraint, or when the part sees heat. Pick TiN when surface hardness matters.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in Silicon Nitride and TiN 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.