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VK15 vs YG3

Ceramic · grade comparison

VK15 and YG3 are both ceramic grades. VK15 is the stronger of the two: tensile strength 1,200 MPa (174 ksi) against 1,100 MPa (160 ksi) for YG3, about 9% more. VK15 is the more ductile: elongation 0.2% versus 0% for YG3, and YG3 is harder (1,580 HV vs 1,100 HV). VK15 is lighter (14 g/cm³ vs 15.1 g/cm³ for YG3) and YG3 is stiffer (650 GPa vs 520 GPa).

VK15Choose it when strength drives the design, or when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.

VK15 vs YG3: properties

VK15YG3

Mechanical

Strength, stiffness, ductility and hardness at room temperature.

Elastic (Young's) Modulus

520 GPa75.4 Msi
650 GPa94.3 Msi

Shear Modulus

210 GPa30.5 Msi
268 GPa38.9 Msi

Bulk Modulus

320 GPa46.4 Msi
385 GPa55.8 Msi

Poisson's Ratio

0.23
0.21

Tensile Strength (Ultimate)

1,200 MPa174 ksi
1,100 MPa160 ksi

Elongation at Break

0.2%
0%

Compressive Strength

3,900 MPa566 ksi
6,000 MPa870 ksi

Flexural Strength

1,850 MPa268 ksi
1,200 MPa174 ksi

Fracture Toughness (K_IC)

16 MPa·√m14.6 ksi·√in
8.5 MPa·√m7.7 ksi·√in

Hardness, Vickers

1,100 HV
1,580 HV

Hardness, Knoop

1,150 HK
1,500 HK

Hardness, Mohs

8.7
9

Shear Strength

—
900 MPa131 ksi

Physical

Density and transition temperatures.

Density

14 g/cm³0.51 lb/in³
15.1 g/cm³0.55 lb/in³

Porosity

0.04%
0.02%

Same in both: Melting Point (Solidus) 1,320°C2,408 °F

Thermal

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

Thermal Conductivity

70 W/m·K40.4 BTU/hr·ft·°F
88 W/m·K50.8 BTU/hr·ft·°F

Specific Heat Capacity

220 J/kg·K0.05 BTU/lb·°F
210 J/kg·K0.05 BTU/lb·°F

Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)

5.8 µm/m·K3.2 µin/in·°F
4.4 µm/m·K2.4 µin/in·°F

Min Service Temperature

-200°C-328 °F
-196°C-321 °F

Same in both: Max Service Temperature (continuous) 600°C1,112 °F

Electrical

Conductivity and insulation.

Volume Resistivity

—
2×10⁻⁵ Ω·cm

Same in both: Electrical Resistivity 2×10⁻⁷ Ω·m7.87 µΩ·in

Chemical & Environmental

Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).

Corrosion Resistance

45 / 100
58 / 100

Manufacturability

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

Machinability

5 / 100
3 / 100

Polishability

88 / 100
92 / 100

Same in both: Sintering / Firing Temperature 1,420°C2,588 °F

Sustainability

Primary-production footprint per kilogram.

Embodied Energy (primary production)

400 MJ/kg171,969 BTU/lb
250 MJ/kg107,481 BTU/lb

Embodied Carbon (primary production)

30 kg CO₂/kg
20 kg CO₂/kg

Embodied Water

400 L/kg47.9 gal/lb
500 L/kg59.9 gal/lb

Same in both: Typical Recycled Content 30%

Common Calculations

Ratios derived from the values above.

Specific Strength (UTS / density)

86 kN·m/kg
73 kN·m/kg

Specific Stiffness (E / density)

37.1 MN·m/kg
43 MN·m/kg

Thermal Diffusivity

22.7 mm²/s
27.8 mm²/s

Thermal Shock Resistance Index

28
34

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

CapabilityVK15YG3
Default condition——
Relative cost$$$$ High$$$$ High
Min. machined wall——
Best machined surface——

VK15 vs YG3 — frequently asked

Is VK15 stronger than YG3?

Yes. VK15 has a typical tensile strength of 1,200 MPa (174 ksi) against 1,100 MPa (160 ksi) for YG3 — about 9% more.

Which is cheaper, VK15 or YG3?

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 VK15 over YG3?

Pick VK15 when strength drives the design, or when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.

Ready to make it?

Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in VK15 and YG3 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.