Precious Metal BAg-13a vs BVAg-18
Precious Metal · grade comparison
Precious Metal BAg-13a and BVAg-18 are both precious metal grades. BVAg-18 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. BVAg-18 is the more ductile: elongation 25% versus 22% for BAg-13a, and BAg-13a is harder (100 HB vs 85 HB). BAg-13a is stiffer (95 GPa vs 85 GPa) and BAg-13a conducts heat better (120 W/m·K vs 65 W/m·K). On the shop floor, BAg-13a machines more easily (good vs fair) and BVAg-18 welds better (30 vs 20 out of 100).
BAg-13aChoose it when the part is machined in volume.
BVAg-18Choose it when strength drives the design, or when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
BAg-13a 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
Bulk Modulus
Poisson's Ratio
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
Elongation at Break
Shear Strength
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Vickers
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
Same in both: Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 18.5 µm/m·K10.3 µin/in·°F · Max Service Temperature (continuous) 400°C752 °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
Brazeability / Solderability
Same in both: Formability (cold) 80 / 100 · Castability 70 / 100 · Polishability 75 / 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 | BVAg-18 |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | — | — |
| Relative cost | $$$$ High | $$$$ High |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
BAg-13a vs BVAg-18 — frequently asked
Is BVAg-18 stronger than BAg-13a?
Yes. BVAg-18 has a typical yield strength of 230 MPa (33.4 ksi) against 210 MPa (30.5 ksi) for BAg-13a — about 10% more. Tensile strength is 415 MPa (60.2 ksi) vs 420 MPa (60.9 ksi).
Which is cheaper, BAg-13a or BVAg-18?
Both sit in the same relative cost tier ($$$$, high); the part price will be decided by machining time, tolerance and quantity rather than by the material.
Which is easier to machine, BAg-13a or BVAg-18?
BAg-13a. Its machinability rates good (55/100) against fair (45/100) for BVAg-18; for welding the order is BVAg-18 first (poor, 30/100) then BAg-13a (poor, 20/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in BAg-13a 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.