Precious Metal B477-A vs B477-D
Precious Metal · B477 temper comparison
B477-A and B477-D are two conditions of the same precious metal grade, B477: A (solution annealed) versus D (temper D). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. B477-D is the stronger of the two: yield strength 890 MPa (129 ksi) against 250 MPa (36.3 ksi) for B477-A, about 3.6 times as much; tensile strength follows at 980 MPa (142 ksi) vs 470 MPa (68.2 ksi). In exchange, B477-A is the more ductile: elongation 30% versus 3% for B477-D, and B477-D is harder (300 HV vs 130 HV). B477-A runs hotter in service (400°C vs 250°C continuous) and B477-D conducts heat better (47 W/m·K vs 40 W/m·K). On the shop floor, B477-D machines more easily (good vs fair) and B477-A welds better (good vs fair).
B477-AChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat.
B477-DChoose it when strength drives the design, or when the part is machined in volume.
B477-A vs B477-D: 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
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
Elongation at Break
Shear Strength
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Hardness, Vickers
Same in both: Shear Modulus 37 GPa5.4 Msi · Bulk Modulus 145 GPa21 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.38
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Same in both: Density 15 g/cm³0.54 lb/in³ · Melting Point (Solidus) 960°C1,760 °F · Liquidus Temperature 995°C1,823 °F
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Thermal Conductivity
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Same in both: Specific Heat Capacity 155 J/kg·K0.04 BTU/lb·°F · Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 15 µm/m·K8.3 µin/in·°F · Latent Heat of Fusion 75 J/g32.2 BTU/lb · Min Service Temperature -200°C-328 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Electrical Conductivity
Electrical Resistivity
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Corrosion Resistance
Same in both: Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE) 0.25 V
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability
Weldability
Formability (cold)
Same in both: Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %) 35% · Castability 70 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 90 / 100 · Polishability 95 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 150,000 MJ/kg6.45×10⁷ BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 11,000 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 200,000 L/kg23,965 gal/lb · Typical Recycled Content 60%
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.
B477-A vs B477-D — frequently asked
Is B477-D stronger than B477-A?
Yes. B477-D has a typical yield strength of 890 MPa (129 ksi) against 250 MPa (36.3 ksi) for B477-A — about 3.6 times as much. Tensile strength is 980 MPa (142 ksi) vs 470 MPa (68.2 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, A or D?
A is the default B477 condition in the FabDigit quote flow. The other condition is available on request or by drawing note — specify it in the material field or the part notes and the quote is priced for it.
Which is easier to machine, B477-A or B477-D?
B477-D. Its machinability rates good (60/100) against fair (40/100) for B477-A; for welding the order is B477-A first (good, 65/100) then B477-D (fair, 50/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in B477-A and B477-D 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.