Precious Metal Argentium 935 vs S990
Precious Metal · grade comparison
Precious Metal Argentium 935 and S990 are both precious metal grades. Argentium 935 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 80 MPa (11.6 ksi) against 50 MPa (7.25 ksi) for S990, about 60% more; tensile strength follows at 260 MPa (37.7 ksi) vs 150 MPa (21.8 ksi). Argentium 935 is harder — 48 HB against 30 HB for S990 — which matters for wear surfaces and threads. S990 runs hotter in service (400°C vs 200°C continuous) and S990 conducts heat better (405 W/m·K vs 330 W/m·K). On the shop floor, Argentium 935 welds better (excellent vs good).
Argentium 935Choose it when strength drives the design, or when surface hardness matters.
S990Choose it when the part sees heat.
Argentium 935 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
Shear Modulus
Bulk Modulus
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
Reduction in Area
Shear Strength
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Vickers
Same in both: Poisson's Ratio 0.37 · Elongation at Break 45%
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
Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Min Service Temperature
Same in both: Specific Heat Capacity 235 J/kg·K0.06 BTU/lb·°F · Latent Heat of Fusion 105 J/g45.1 BTU/lb
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)
Brazeability / Solderability
Same in both: Castability 80 / 100 · Polishability 96 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Embodied Energy (primary production)
Embodied Carbon (primary production)
Typical Recycled Content
Embodied Water
Common Calculations
Ratios derived from the values above.
Specific Strength (UTS / density)
Modulus of Resilience
Thermal Diffusivity
Thermal Shock Resistance Index
Same in both: Specific Stiffness (E / density) 7.4 MN·m/kg
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 | Argentium 935 | S990 |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | — | — |
| Relative cost | $$$$ High | $$$$ High |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
Argentium 935 vs S990 — frequently asked
Is Argentium 935 stronger than S990?
Yes. Argentium 935 has a typical yield strength of 80 MPa (11.6 ksi) against 50 MPa (7.25 ksi) for S990 — about 60% more. Tensile strength is 260 MPa (37.7 ksi) vs 150 MPa (21.8 ksi).
Which is cheaper, Argentium 935 or S990?
Both sit in the same relative cost tier ($$$$, high); the part price will be decided by machining time, tolerance and quantity rather than by the material.
Which is easier to machine, Argentium 935 or S990?
Argentium 935. Its machinability rates good (55/100) against fair (50/100) for S990; for welding the order is Argentium 935 first (excellent, 90/100) then S990 (good, 60/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in Argentium 935 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.