IRG 24 vs N-K5
Glass · grade comparison
IRG 24 and N-K5 are both glass grades. N-K5 is the stronger of the two: tensile strength 40 MPa (5.8 ksi) against 16 MPa (2.32 ksi) for IRG 24, about 150% more. N-K5 is harder — 520 HV against 110 HV for IRG 24 — which matters for wear surfaces and threads. N-K5 is lighter (2.59 g/cm³ vs 4.64 g/cm³ for IRG 24) and N-K5 is stiffer (71 GPa vs 18.3 GPa). On the shop floor, IRG 24 machines more easily (excellent vs fair).
IRG 24Choose it when the part is machined in volume.
N-K5Choose it when strength drives the design, or when surface hardness matters.
IRG 24 vs N-K5: 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
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
Hardness, Vickers
Hardness, Knoop
Hardness, Mohs
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Density
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 Constant (1 MHz)
Volume Resistivity
Dielectric Strength
Dissipation Factor (1 MHz)
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 | IRG 24 | N-K5 |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | — | — |
| Relative cost | $$$$ High | $$$$ High |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
IRG 24 vs N-K5 — frequently asked
Is N-K5 stronger than IRG 24?
Yes. N-K5 has a typical tensile strength of 40 MPa (5.8 ksi) against 16 MPa (2.32 ksi) for IRG 24 — about 150% more.
Which is cheaper, IRG 24 or N-K5?
Both sit in the same relative cost tier ($$$$, high); the part price will be decided by machining time, tolerance and quantity rather than by the material.
Which is easier to machine, IRG 24 or N-K5?
IRG 24. Its machinability rates excellent (85/100) against fair (35/100) for N-K5.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in IRG 24 and N-K5 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.