N-K5 vs SF6
Glass · grade comparison
N-K5 and SF6 are both glass grades. N-K5 is harder — 520 HV against 350 HV for SF6 — which matters for wear surfaces and threads. N-K5 is lighter (2.59 g/cm³ vs 5.18 g/cm³ for SF6) and N-K5 is stiffer (71 GPa vs 55 GPa). On the shop floor, N-K5 machines more easily (fair vs poor).
N-K5Choose it when surface hardness matters, or when weight is the constraint.
N-K5 vs SF6: 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
Flexural Strength
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
Hardness, Vickers
Hardness, Knoop
Hardness, Mohs
Same in both: Tensile Strength (Ultimate) 40 MPa5.8 ksi · Compressive Strength 900 MPa131 ksi
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 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
Same in both: Polishability 88 / 100
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 | N-K5 | SF6 |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | — | — |
| Relative cost | $$$$ High | $$$$ High |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
N-K5 vs SF6 — frequently asked
What is the difference between N-K5 and SF6?
N-K5 and SF6 are both glass grades. N-K5 is harder — 520 HV against 350 HV for SF6 — which matters for wear surfaces and threads. N-K5 is lighter (2.59 g/cm³ vs 5.18 g/cm³ for SF6) and N-K5 is stiffer (71 GPa vs 55 GPa).
Which is cheaper, N-K5 or SF6?
Both sit in the same relative cost tier ($$$$, high); the part price will be decided by machining time, tolerance and quantity rather than by the material.
Which is easier to machine, N-K5 or SF6?
N-K5. Its machinability rates fair (35/100) against poor (15/100) for SF6.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in N-K5 and SF6 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.