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Precious Metal BAg-13 vs BAg-2a

Precious Metal · grade comparison

Precious Metal BAg-13 and BAg-2a are both precious metal grades. BAg-13 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 250 MPa (36.3 ksi) against 210 MPa (30.5 ksi) for BAg-2a, about 19% more. In exchange, BAg-2a is the more ductile: elongation 28% versus 24% for BAg-13, and BAg-13 is harder (115 HB vs 85 HB). BAg-13 runs hotter in service (400°C vs 200°C continuous) and BAg-13 conducts heat better (90 W/m·K vs 75 W/m·K).

BAg-13Choose it when strength drives the design, or when the part sees heat.

BAg-2aChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.

BAg-13 vs BAg-2a: properties

BAg-13BAg-2a

Mechanical

Strength, stiffness, ductility and hardness at room temperature.

Shear Modulus

34 GPa4.9 Msi
33 GPa4.8 Msi

Tensile Strength (Ultimate)

420 MPa60.9 ksi
400 MPa58 ksi

Yield Strength (0.2% offset)

250 MPa36.3 ksi
210 MPa30.5 ksi

Elongation at Break

24%
28%

Shear Strength

250 MPa36.3 ksi
175 MPa25.4 ksi

Hardness, Brinell

115 HB
85 HB

Bulk Modulus

—
95 GPa13.8 Msi

Hardness, Vickers

—
95 HV

Same in both: Elastic (Young's) Modulus 90 GPa13.1 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.36

Physical

Density and transition temperatures.

Density

9.6 g/cm³0.35 lb/in³
9.4 g/cm³0.34 lb/in³

Melting Point (Solidus)

718°C1,324 °F
607°C1,125 °F

Liquidus Temperature

857°C1,575 °F
710°C1,310 °F

Thermal

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

Thermal Conductivity

90 W/m·K52 BTU/hr·ft·°F
75 W/m·K43.3 BTU/hr·ft·°F

Specific Heat Capacity

380 J/kg·K0.09 BTU/lb·°F
280 J/kg·K0.07 BTU/lb·°F

Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)

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

Latent Heat of Fusion

145 J/g62.3 BTU/lb
120 J/g51.6 BTU/lb

Max Service Temperature (continuous)

400°C752 °F
200°C392 °F

Same in both: Min Service Temperature -196°C-321 °F

Electrical

Conductivity and insulation.

Electrical Conductivity

23 % IACS
20 % IACS

Electrical Resistivity

7.5×10⁻⁸ Ω·m2.95 µΩ·in
8.6×10⁻⁸ Ω·m3.39 µΩ·in

Chemical & Environmental

Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).

Corrosion Resistance

72 / 100
62 / 100

Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE)

—
-0.05 V

Manufacturability

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

Formability (cold)

70 / 100
80 / 100

Castability

60 / 100
75 / 100

Machinability

—
45 / 100

Weldability

—
20 / 100

Same in both: Brazeability / Solderability 95 / 100 · Polishability 70 / 100

Sustainability

Primary-production footprint per kilogram.

Embodied Energy (primary production)

800 MJ/kg343,938 BTU/lb
600 MJ/kg257,954 BTU/lb

Embodied Carbon (primary production)

62 kg CO₂/kg
45 kg CO₂/kg

Typical Recycled Content

40%
45%

Embodied Water

—
2,500 L/kg300 gal/lb

Common Calculations

Ratios derived from the values above.

Specific Strength (UTS / density)

44 kN·m/kg
43 kN·m/kg

Specific Stiffness (E / density)

9.4 MN·m/kg
9.6 MN·m/kg

Modulus of Resilience

347 kJ/m³
245 kJ/m³

Thermal Diffusivity

24.7 mm²/s
28.5 mm²/s

Thermal Shock Resistance Index

23
18

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-2aBAg-13

Manufacturing and finishing

CapabilityBAg-13BAg-2a
Default condition——
Relative cost$$$$ High$$$$ High
Min. machined wall——
Best machined surface——

BAg-13 vs BAg-2a — frequently asked

Is BAg-13 stronger than BAg-2a?

Yes. BAg-13 has a typical yield strength of 250 MPa (36.3 ksi) against 210 MPa (30.5 ksi) for BAg-2a — about 19% more. Tensile strength is 420 MPa (60.9 ksi) vs 400 MPa (58 ksi).

Which is cheaper, BAg-13 or BAg-2a?

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-13 over BAg-2a?

Pick BAg-13 when strength drives the design, or when the part sees heat. Pick BAg-2a when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.

Ready to make it?

Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in BAg-13 and BAg-2a 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.