Alumina-Lime-Silica Glass (IEC G-400) vs Lead Glass (IEC G-500)
Glass · grade comparison
Alumina-Lime-Silica Glass (IEC G-400) and Lead Glass (IEC G-500) are both glass grades. Alumina-Lime-Silica Glass (IEC G-400) is the stronger of the two: tensile strength 60 MPa (8.7 ksi) against 45 MPa (6.53 ksi) for Lead Glass (IEC G-500), about 33% more. Alumina-Lime-Silica Glass (IEC G-400) is harder — 620 HV against 420 HV for Lead Glass (IEC G-500) — which matters for wear surfaces and threads. Alumina-Lime-Silica Glass (IEC G-400) is lighter (2.6 g/cm³ vs 3.1 g/cm³ for Lead Glass (IEC G-500)) and Alumina-Lime-Silica Glass (IEC G-400) is stiffer (87 GPa vs 62 GPa).
Alumina-Lime-Silica Glass (IEC G-400)Choose it when strength drives the design, or when surface hardness matters.
Alumina-Lime-Silica Glass (IEC G-400) vs Lead Glass (IEC G-500): 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.
Alumina-Lime-Silica Glass (IEC G-400)Lead Glass (IEC G-500)
Mechanical
Strength, stiffness, ductility and hardness at room temperature.
Elastic (Young's) Modulus
Shear Modulus
Bulk Modulus
Poisson's Ratio
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Compressive Strength
Flexural Strength
Shear Strength
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
Hardness, Vickers
Hardness, Knoop
Hardness, Mohs
Same in both: Elongation at Break 0%
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Density
Refractive Index
Same in both: Light Transmission 90% · 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)
Same in both: Min Service Temperature -190°C-310 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Electrical Resistivity
Dielectric Constant (1 MHz)
Dissipation Factor (1 MHz)
Volume Resistivity
Same in both: Dielectric Strength 30 kV/mm762 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
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Embodied Energy (primary production)
Embodied Carbon (primary production)
Typical Recycled Content
Same in both: Embodied Water 15 L/kg1.8 gal/lb
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 | Alumina-Lime-Silica Glass (IEC G-400) | Lead Glass (IEC G-500) |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | — | — |
| Relative cost | $$$ Premium | $$$ Premium |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
Alumina-Lime-Silica Glass (IEC G-400) vs Lead Glass (IEC G-500) — frequently asked
Is Alumina-Lime-Silica Glass (IEC G-400) stronger than Lead Glass (IEC G-500)?
Yes. Alumina-Lime-Silica Glass (IEC G-400) has a typical tensile strength of 60 MPa (8.7 ksi) against 45 MPa (6.53 ksi) for Lead Glass (IEC G-500) — about 33% more.
Which is cheaper, Alumina-Lime-Silica Glass (IEC G-400) or Lead Glass (IEC G-500)?
Both sit in the same relative cost tier ($$$, premium); the part price will be decided by machining time, tolerance and quantity rather than by the material.
When should I choose Alumina-Lime-Silica Glass (IEC G-400) over Lead Glass (IEC G-500)?
Pick Alumina-Lime-Silica Glass (IEC G-400) when strength drives the design, or when surface hardness matters.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in Alumina-Lime-Silica Glass (IEC G-400) and Lead Glass (IEC G-500) 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.