N-BAK4 vs N-LaK9
Glass · grade comparison
N-BAK4 and N-LaK9 are both glass grades. N-LaK9 is the stronger of the two: tensile strength 55 MPa (7.98 ksi) against 50 MPa (7.25 ksi) for N-BAK4, about 10% more. N-LaK9 is harder — 640 HV against 590 HV for N-BAK4 — which matters for wear surfaces and threads. N-BAK4 is lighter (3.1 g/cm³ vs 3.51 g/cm³ for N-LaK9) and N-LaK9 is stiffer (110 GPa vs 77 GPa). On the shop floor, N-BAK4 machines more easily (poor vs not recommended).
N-BAK4Choose it when weight is the constraint, or when the part is machined in volume.
N-LaK9Choose it when strength drives the design, or when surface hardness matters.
N-BAK4 vs N-LaK9: 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
Same in both: Hardness, Mohs 6
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Density
Refractive Index
Light Transmission
Porosity
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 -60°C-76 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Electrical Resistivity
Dielectric Constant (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 Stiffness (E / density)
Thermal Diffusivity
Same in both: Specific Strength (UTS / density) 16 kN·m/kg · 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 | N-BAK4 | N-LaK9 |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | — | — |
| Relative cost | $$$$ High | $$$$ High |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
N-BAK4 vs N-LaK9 — frequently asked
Is N-LaK9 stronger than N-BAK4?
Yes. N-LaK9 has a typical tensile strength of 55 MPa (7.98 ksi) against 50 MPa (7.25 ksi) for N-BAK4 — about 10% more.
Which is cheaper, N-BAK4 or N-LaK9?
Both sit in the same relative cost tier ($$$$, high); the part price will be decided by machining time, tolerance and quantity rather than by the material.
Which is easier to machine, N-BAK4 or N-LaK9?
N-BAK4. Its machinability rates poor (28/100) against not recommended (12/100) for N-LaK9.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in N-BAK4 and N-LaK9 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.