Precious Metal BAg-1 vs BVAg-18
Precious Metal · grade comparison
Precious Metal BAg-1 and BVAg-18 are both precious metal grades. BVAg-18 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 230 MPa (33.4 ksi) against 200 MPa (29 ksi) for BAg-1, about 15% more. BVAg-18 is the more ductile: elongation 25% versus 21% for BAg-1, and BAg-1 is harder (90 HB vs 85 HB). BAg-1 is lighter (9.3 g/cm³ vs 9.8 g/cm³ for BVAg-18) and BVAg-18 runs hotter in service (400°C vs 200°C continuous). On the shop floor, BVAg-18 welds better (30 vs 15 out of 100).
BAg-1Choose it when weight is the constraint.
BVAg-18Choose it when strength drives the design, or when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
BAg-1 vs BVAg-18: 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
Poisson's Ratio
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
Elongation at Break
Shear Strength
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Rockwell B
Hardness, Vickers
Bulk Modulus
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 -196°C-321 °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
Weldability
Formability (cold)
Castability
Brazeability / Solderability
Polishability
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Embodied Energy (primary production)
Embodied Carbon (primary production)
Embodied Water
Same in both: Typical Recycled Content 40%
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 | BAg-1 | BVAg-18 |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | — | — |
| Relative cost | $$$$ High | $$$$ High |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
BAg-1 vs BVAg-18 — frequently asked
Is BVAg-18 stronger than BAg-1?
Yes. BVAg-18 has a typical yield strength of 230 MPa (33.4 ksi) against 200 MPa (29 ksi) for BAg-1 — about 15% more. Tensile strength is 415 MPa (60.2 ksi) vs 414 MPa (60 ksi).
Which is cheaper, BAg-1 or BVAg-18?
Both sit in the same relative cost tier ($$$$, high); the part price will be decided by machining time, tolerance and quantity rather than by the material.
Which is easier to machine, BAg-1 or BVAg-18?
BVAg-18, by a small margin. Both rate fair for machinability — 45/100 against 40/100 for BAg-1; for welding the order is BVAg-18 first (poor, 30/100) then BAg-1 (poor, 15/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in BAg-1 and BVAg-18 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.