Precious Metal BAg-13a vs BAg-18
Precious Metal · grade comparison
Precious Metal BAg-13a and BAg-18 are both precious metal grades. BAg-13a is the stronger of the two: tensile strength 420 MPa (60.9 ksi) against 380 MPa (55.1 ksi) for BAg-18, about 11% more. In exchange, BAg-18 is the more ductile: elongation 28% versus 22% for BAg-13a, and BAg-13a is harder (100 HB vs 95 HB). BAg-13a is stiffer (95 GPa vs 85 GPa) and BAg-13a runs hotter in service (400°C vs 200°C continuous). On the shop floor, BAg-13a machines more easily (good vs fair).
BAg-13aChoose it when strength drives the design, or when the part sees heat.
BAg-18Choose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
BAg-13a vs BAg-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
Bulk Modulus
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Elongation at Break
Shear Strength
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Vickers
Same in both: Poisson's Ratio 0.36 · Yield Strength (0.2% offset) 210 MPa30.5 ksi
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
Latent Heat of Fusion
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Same in both: Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 18.5 µm/m·K10.3 µin/in·°F · 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
Formability (cold)
Polishability
Same in both: Weldability 20 / 100 · Castability 70 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 95 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Embodied Energy (primary production)
Embodied Carbon (primary production)
Typical Recycled Content
Same in both: Embodied Water 1,500 L/kg180 gal/lb
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-13a | BAg-18 |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | — | — |
| Relative cost | $$$$ High | $$$$ High |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
BAg-13a vs BAg-18 — frequently asked
Is BAg-13a stronger than BAg-18?
Yes. BAg-13a has a typical tensile strength of 420 MPa (60.9 ksi) against 380 MPa (55.1 ksi) for BAg-18 — about 11% more.
Which is cheaper, BAg-13a or BAg-18?
Both sit in the same relative cost tier ($$$$, high); the part price will be decided by machining time, tolerance and quantity rather than by the material.
Which is easier to machine, BAg-13a or BAg-18?
BAg-13a. Its machinability rates good (55/100) against fair (35/100) for BAg-18.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in BAg-13a and BAg-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.