Alpha-Quartz vs CaF2
Glass · grade comparison
Alpha-Quartz and CaF2 are both glass grades. Alpha-Quartz is the stronger of the two: tensile strength 55 MPa (7.98 ksi) against 37 MPa (5.37 ksi) for CaF2, about 49% more. Alpha-Quartz is harder — 1,150 HV against 165 HV for CaF2 — which matters for wear surfaces and threads. Alpha-Quartz is lighter (2.65 g/cm³ vs 3.18 g/cm³ for CaF2) and Alpha-Quartz is stiffer (87 GPa vs 75.8 GPa). On the shop floor, CaF2 machines more easily (fair vs not recommended).
Alpha-QuartzChoose it when strength drives the design, or when surface hardness matters.
CaF2Choose it when the part sees heat, or when the part is machined in volume.
Alpha-Quartz vs CaF2: propertiesHow to read these bars
- One bar per material. A full bar is the highest value among all glass 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 glass 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
Shear Strength
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
Hardness, Vickers
Hardness, Knoop
Hardness, Mohs
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Density
Melting Point (Solidus)
Refractive Index
Light Transmission
Same in both: Porosity 0%
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
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Embodied Energy (primary production)
Embodied Carbon (primary production)
Embodied Water
Typical Recycled Content
Common Calculations
Ratios derived from the values above.
Specific Strength (UTS / density)
Specific Stiffness (E / density)
Thermal Diffusivity
Same in both: Thermal Shock Resistance Index 0
Strength versus weight
Yield strength against density for every glass grade in the FabDigit library; the compared grades are highlighted. Up and left is stronger for its weight.
Manufacturing and finishing
| Capability | Alpha-Quartz | CaF2 |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | — | — |
| Relative cost | $$$$ High | $$$$ High |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
Alpha-Quartz vs CaF2 — frequently asked
Is Alpha-Quartz stronger than CaF2?
Yes. Alpha-Quartz has a typical tensile strength of 55 MPa (7.98 ksi) against 37 MPa (5.37 ksi) for CaF2 — about 49% more.
Which is cheaper, Alpha-Quartz or CaF2?
Both sit in the same relative cost tier ($$$$, high); the part price will be decided by machining time, tolerance and quantity rather than by the material.
Which is easier to machine, Alpha-Quartz or CaF2?
CaF2. Its machinability rates fair (45/100) against not recommended (6/100) for Alpha-Quartz.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in Alpha-Quartz and CaF2 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.