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YG15 vs YG3

Ceramic · grade comparison

YG15 and YG3 are both ceramic grades. YG15 is the stronger of the two: tensile strength 1,400 MPa (203 ksi) against 1,100 MPa (160 ksi) for YG3, about 27% more. YG15 is the more ductile: elongation 0.3% versus 0% for YG3, and YG3 is harder (1,580 HV vs 1,150 HV). YG15 is lighter (14 g/cm³ vs 15.1 g/cm³ for YG3) and YG3 is stiffer (650 GPa vs 520 GPa).

YG15Choose it when strength drives the design, or when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.

YG3Choose it when the part sees heat.

YG15 vs YG3: properties

YG15YG3

Mechanical

Strength, stiffness, ductility and hardness at room temperature.

Elastic (Young's) Modulus

520 GPa75.4 Msi
650 GPa94.3 Msi

Shear Modulus

208 GPa30.2 Msi
268 GPa38.9 Msi

Bulk Modulus

315 GPa45.7 Msi
385 GPa55.8 Msi

Poisson's Ratio

0.23
0.21

Tensile Strength (Ultimate)

1,400 MPa203 ksi
1,100 MPa160 ksi

Elongation at Break

0.3%
0%

Compressive Strength

4,000 MPa580 ksi
6,000 MPa870 ksi

Flexural Strength

2,500 MPa363 ksi
1,200 MPa174 ksi

Shear Strength

1,350 MPa196 ksi
900 MPa131 ksi

Fracture Toughness (K_IC)

15.5 MPa·√m14.1 ksi·√in
8.5 MPa·√m7.7 ksi·√in

Hardness, Vickers

1,150 HV
1,580 HV

Hardness, Knoop

1,200 HK
1,500 HK

Hardness, Mohs

8.7
9

Physical

Density and transition temperatures.

Density

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

Same in both: Melting Point (Solidus) 1,320°C2,408 °F · Porosity 0.02%

Thermal

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

Thermal Conductivity

75 W/m·K43.3 BTU/hr·ft·°F
88 W/m·K50.8 BTU/hr·ft·°F

Specific Heat Capacity

240 J/kg·K0.06 BTU/lb·°F
210 J/kg·K0.05 BTU/lb·°F

Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)

6 µm/m·K3.3 µin/in·°F
4.4 µm/m·K2.4 µin/in·°F

Max Service Temperature (continuous)

500°C932 °F
600°C1,112 °F

Min Service Temperature

-200°C-328 °F
-196°C-321 °F

Electrical

Conductivity and insulation.

Same in both: Electrical Resistivity 2×10⁻⁷ Ω·m7.87 µΩ·in · Volume Resistivity 2×10⁻⁵ Ω·cm

Chemical & Environmental

Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).

Corrosion Resistance

38 / 100
58 / 100

Manufacturability

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

Machinability

4 / 100
3 / 100

Polishability

90 / 100
92 / 100

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

Sustainability

Primary-production footprint per kilogram.

Embodied Energy (primary production)

130 MJ/kg55,890 BTU/lb
250 MJ/kg107,481 BTU/lb

Embodied Carbon (primary production)

9.5 kg CO₂/kg
20 kg CO₂/kg

Typical Recycled Content

25%
30%

Embodied Water

—
500 L/kg59.9 gal/lb

Common Calculations

Ratios derived from the values above.

Specific Strength (UTS / density)

100 kN·m/kg
73 kN·m/kg

Specific Stiffness (E / density)

37.1 MN·m/kg
43 MN·m/kg

Thermal Diffusivity

22.3 mm²/s
27.8 mm²/s

Same in both: Thermal Shock Resistance Index 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

CapabilityYG15YG3
Default condition——
Relative cost$$$$ High$$$$ High
Min. machined wall——
Best machined surface——

YG15 vs YG3 — frequently asked

Is YG15 stronger than YG3?

Yes. YG15 has a typical tensile strength of 1,400 MPa (203 ksi) against 1,100 MPa (160 ksi) for YG3 — about 27% more.

Which is cheaper, YG15 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 YG15 over YG3?

Pick YG15 when strength drives the design, or when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded. Pick YG3 when the part sees heat.

Ready to make it?

Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in YG15 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.