Precious Metal BAg-13a vs BAg15CuZnSn
Precious Metal · grade comparison
Precious Metal BAg-13a and BAg15CuZnSn are both precious metal grades. BAg15CuZnSn is the stronger of the two: yield strength 230 MPa (33.4 ksi) against 210 MPa (30.5 ksi) for BAg-13a, about 10% more. BAg15CuZnSn is lighter (8.4 g/cm³ vs 9.75 g/cm³ for BAg-13a) and BAg-13a runs hotter in service (400°C vs 200°C continuous). On the shop floor, BAg-13a welds better (poor vs not recommended) and BAg-13a forms better (very good vs good).
BAg-13aChoose it when the part sees heat, or when it will be welded.
BAg15CuZnSnChoose it when strength drives the design, or when weight is the constraint.
BAg-13a vs BAg15CuZnSn: 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.
Shear Modulus
Bulk Modulus
Poisson's Ratio
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
Shear Strength
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Vickers
Same in both: Elastic (Young's) Modulus 95 GPa13.8 Msi · Elongation at Break 22%
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
Weldability
Formability (cold)
Castability
Brazeability / Solderability
Polishability
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Embodied Energy (primary production)
Embodied Carbon (primary production)
Embodied Water
Typical Recycled Content
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 | BAg15CuZnSn |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | — | — |
| Relative cost | $$$$ High | $$$$ High |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
BAg-13a vs BAg15CuZnSn — frequently asked
Is BAg15CuZnSn stronger than BAg-13a?
Yes. BAg15CuZnSn has a typical yield strength of 230 MPa (33.4 ksi) against 210 MPa (30.5 ksi) for BAg-13a — about 10% more. Tensile strength is 400 MPa (58 ksi) vs 420 MPa (60.9 ksi).
Which is cheaper, BAg-13a or BAg15CuZnSn?
Both sit in the same relative cost tier ($$$$, 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 BAg15CuZnSn?
BAg15CuZnSn, by a small margin. Both rate good for machinability — 60/100 against 55/100 for BAg-13a; for welding the order is BAg-13a first (poor, 20/100) then BAg15CuZnSn (not recommended, 10/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in BAg-13a and BAg15CuZnSn 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.