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Precious Metal BAg-1 vs BVAg-8b

Precious Metal · grade comparison

Precious Metal BAg-1 and BVAg-8b are both precious metal grades. BAg-1 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 200 MPa (29 ksi) against 165 MPa (23.9 ksi) for BVAg-8b, about 21% more; tensile strength follows at 414 MPa (60 ksi) vs 300 MPa (43.5 ksi). In exchange, BVAg-8b is the more ductile: elongation 28% versus 21% for BAg-1, and BAg-1 is harder (90 HB vs 70 HB). BAg-1 is lighter (9.3 g/cm³ vs 9.9 g/cm³ for BVAg-8b) and BVAg-8b runs hotter in service (370°C vs 200°C continuous).

BAg-1Choose it when strength drives the design, or when weight is the constraint.

BVAg-8bChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat.

BAg-1 vs BVAg-8b: properties

BAg-1BVAg-8b

Mechanical

Strength, stiffness, ductility and hardness at room temperature.

Elastic (Young's) Modulus

83 GPa12 Msi
85 GPa12.3 Msi

Tensile Strength (Ultimate)

414 MPa60 ksi
300 MPa43.5 ksi

Yield Strength (0.2% offset)

200 MPa29 ksi
165 MPa23.9 ksi

Elongation at Break

21%
28%

Shear Strength

170 MPa24.7 ksi
200 MPa29 ksi

Hardness, Brinell

90 HB
70 HB

Hardness, Rockwell B

56 HRB
—

Hardness, Vickers

95 HV
75 HV

Bulk Modulus

—
105 GPa15.2 Msi

Same in both: Shear Modulus 31 GPa4.5 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.36

Physical

Density and transition temperatures.

Density

9.3 g/cm³0.34 lb/in³
9.9 g/cm³0.36 lb/in³

Melting Point (Solidus)

607°C1,125 °F
766°C1,411 °F

Liquidus Temperature

618°C1,144 °F
771°C1,420 °F

Thermal

How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.

Thermal Conductivity

100 W/m·K57.8 BTU/hr·ft·°F
355 W/m·K205 BTU/hr·ft·°F

Specific Heat Capacity

280 J/kg·K0.07 BTU/lb·°F
250 J/kg·K0.06 BTU/lb·°F

Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)

19 µm/m·K10.6 µin/in·°F
19.6 µm/m·K10.9 µin/in·°F

Max Service Temperature (continuous)

200°C392 °F
370°C698 °F

Min Service Temperature

-196°C-321 °F
-269°C-452 °F

Same in both: Latent Heat of Fusion 110 J/g47.3 BTU/lb

Electrical

Conductivity and insulation.

Electrical Conductivity

22 % IACS
87 % IACS

Electrical Resistivity

7.8×10⁻⁸ Ω·m3.07 µΩ·in
1.98×10⁻⁸ Ω·m0.78 µΩ·in

Chemical & Environmental

Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).

Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE)

-0.05 V
0.05 V

Corrosion Resistance

65 / 100
72 / 100

Manufacturability

FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.

Weldability

15 / 100
—

Formability (cold)

75 / 100
85 / 100

Castability

80 / 100
70 / 100

Brazeability / Solderability

98 / 100
100 / 100

Polishability

70 / 100
75 / 100

Same in both: Machinability 40 / 100

Sustainability

Primary-production footprint per kilogram.

Embodied Energy (primary production)

700 MJ/kg300,946 BTU/lb
1,100 MJ/kg472,915 BTU/lb

Embodied Carbon (primary production)

48 kg CO₂/kg
95 kg CO₂/kg

Embodied Water

15,000 L/kg1,797 gal/lb
—

Typical Recycled Content

40%
35%

Common Calculations

Ratios derived from the values above.

Specific Strength (UTS / density)

45 kN·m/kg
30 kN·m/kg

Specific Stiffness (E / density)

8.9 MN·m/kg
8.6 MN·m/kg

Modulus of Resilience

241 kJ/m³
160 kJ/m³

Thermal Diffusivity

38.4 mm²/s
143.4 mm²/s

Thermal Shock Resistance Index

26
64

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.

50100200500101520Density (g/cm³)Yield strength (MPa) — log scaleBAg-1BVAg-8b

Manufacturing and finishing

CapabilityBAg-1BVAg-8b
Default condition——
Relative cost$$$$ High$$$$ High
Min. machined wall——
Best machined surface——

BAg-1 vs BVAg-8b — frequently asked

Is BAg-1 stronger than BVAg-8b?

Yes. BAg-1 has a typical yield strength of 200 MPa (29 ksi) against 165 MPa (23.9 ksi) for BVAg-8b — about 21% more. Tensile strength is 414 MPa (60 ksi) vs 300 MPa (43.5 ksi).

Which is cheaper, BAg-1 or BVAg-8b?

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.

When should I choose BAg-1 over BVAg-8b?

Pick BAg-1 when strength drives the design, or when weight is the constraint. Pick BVAg-8b when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat.

Ready to make it?

Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in BAg-1 and BVAg-8b 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.