Precious Metal 800 Silver vs S990
Precious Metal · grade comparison
Precious Metal 800 Silver and S990 are both precious metal grades. 800 Silver is the stronger of the two: yield strength 130 MPa (18.9 ksi) against 50 MPa (7.25 ksi) for S990, about 160% more; tensile strength follows at 300 MPa (43.5 ksi) vs 150 MPa (21.8 ksi). In exchange, S990 is the more ductile: elongation 45% versus 40% for 800 Silver, and 800 Silver is harder (75 HB vs 30 HB). 800 Silver is lighter (10.15 g/cm³ vs 10.48 g/cm³ for S990) and S990 runs hotter in service (400°C vs 250°C continuous). On the shop floor, 800 Silver welds better (very good vs good).
800 SilverChoose it when strength drives the design, or when weight is the constraint.
S990Choose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat.
800 Silver vs S990: propertiesHow to read these bars
- One bar per material. A full bar is the highest value among all precious metal 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 precious metal 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
Bulk Modulus
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
Elongation at Break
Reduction in Area
Shear Strength
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Vickers
Same in both: Shear Modulus 29 GPa4.2 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.37
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Density
Melting Point (Solidus)
Liquidus Temperature
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Thermal Conductivity
Specific Heat Capacity
Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)
Latent Heat of Fusion
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Same in both: Min Service Temperature -200°C-328 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Electrical Conductivity
Electrical Resistivity
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE)
Corrosion Resistance
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability
Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)
Weldability
Formability (cold)
Castability
Brazeability / Solderability
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)
Modulus of Resilience
Thermal Diffusivity
Thermal Shock Resistance Index
Strength versus weight
Yield strength against density for every precious metal grade in the FabDigit library; the compared grades are highlighted. Up and left is stronger for its weight.
Manufacturing and finishing
| Capability | 800 Silver | S990 |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | — | — |
| Relative cost | $$$$ High | $$$$ High |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
800 Silver vs S990 — frequently asked
Is 800 Silver stronger than S990?
Yes. 800 Silver has a typical yield strength of 130 MPa (18.9 ksi) against 50 MPa (7.25 ksi) for S990 — about 160% more. Tensile strength is 300 MPa (43.5 ksi) vs 150 MPa (21.8 ksi).
Which is cheaper, 800 Silver or S990?
Both sit in the same relative cost tier ($$$$, high); the part price will be decided by machining time, tolerance and quantity rather than by the material.
Which is easier to machine, 800 Silver or S990?
S990, by a small margin. Both rate fair for machinability — 50/100 against 45/100 for 800 Silver; for welding the order is 800 Silver first (very good, 70/100) then S990 (good, 60/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 800 Silver and S990 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.