Precious Metal B596-O vs B596-OA
Precious Metal · B596 temper comparison
B596-O and B596-OA are two conditions of the same precious metal grade, B596: O (annealed) versus OA (order-hardened). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. B596-OA is the stronger of the two: yield strength 780 MPa (113 ksi) against 190 MPa (27.6 ksi) for B596-O, about 4.1 times as much; tensile strength follows at 900 MPa (131 ksi) vs 420 MPa (60.9 ksi). In exchange, B596-O is the more ductile: elongation 32% versus 3% for B596-OA, and B596-OA is harder (265 HV vs 135 HV). B596-O runs hotter in service (300°C vs 250°C continuous) and B596-OA conducts heat better (100 W/m·K vs 66 W/m·K). On the shop floor, B596-OA machines more easily (good vs fair).
B596-OChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat.
B596-OAChoose it when strength drives the design, or when the part is machined in volume.
B596-O vs B596-OA: 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.
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
Elongation at Break
Shear Strength
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Hardness, Vickers
Same in both: Elastic (Young's) Modulus 92 GPa13.3 Msi · Shear Modulus 33 GPa4.8 Msi · Bulk Modulus 150 GPa21.8 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.4
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Same in both: Density 15.5 g/cm³0.56 lb/in³ · Melting Point (Solidus) 885°C1,625 °F · Liquidus Temperature 895°C1,643 °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) 16 µm/m·K8.9 µin/in·°F · Latent Heat of Fusion 95 J/g40.8 BTU/lb · Min Service Temperature -269°C-452 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Electrical Conductivity
Electrical Resistivity
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Same in both: Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE) 0.2 V · Corrosion Resistance 90 / 100
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 %) 40% · Castability 75 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 95 / 100 · Polishability 95 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 200,000 MJ/kg8.6×10⁷ BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 12,000 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 150,000 L/kg17,974 gal/lb · Typical Recycled Content 45%
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.
B596-O vs B596-OA — frequently asked
Is B596-OA stronger than B596-O?
Yes. B596-OA has a typical yield strength of 780 MPa (113 ksi) against 190 MPa (27.6 ksi) for B596-O — about 4.1 times as much. Tensile strength is 900 MPa (131 ksi) vs 420 MPa (60.9 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, O or OA?
H is the default B596 condition in the FabDigit quote flow (neither O nor OA). 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, B596-O or B596-OA?
B596-OA. Its machinability rates good (55/100) against fair (45/100) for B596-O; for welding the order is B596-O first (very good, 80/100) then B596-OA (very good, 75/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in B596-O and B596-OA 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.