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Precious Metal BAg-13a vs BVAg-30

Precious Metal · grade comparison

Precious Metal BAg-13a and BVAg-30 are both precious metal grades. BAg-13a is the stronger of the two: yield strength 210 MPa (30.5 ksi) against 170 MPa (24.7 ksi) for BVAg-30, about 24% more; tensile strength follows at 420 MPa (60.9 ksi) vs 300 MPa (43.5 ksi). In exchange, BVAg-30 is the more ductile: elongation 25% versus 22% for BAg-13a, and BAg-13a is harder (100 HB vs 90 HB). BAg-13a is lighter (9.75 g/cm³ vs 10.2 g/cm³ for BVAg-30) and BAg-13a conducts electricity better (30 % IACS vs 25 % IACS). On the shop floor, BAg-13a machines more easily (good vs fair) and BVAg-30 welds better (30 vs 20 out of 100).

BAg-13aChoose it when strength drives the design, or when weight is the constraint.

BVAg-30Choose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when it will be welded.

BAg-13a vs BVAg-30: properties

BAg-13aBVAg-30

Mechanical

Strength, stiffness, ductility and hardness at room temperature.

Shear Modulus

35 GPa5.1 Msi
36 GPa5.2 Msi

Bulk Modulus

110 GPa16 Msi
105 GPa15.2 Msi

Tensile Strength (Ultimate)

420 MPa60.9 ksi
300 MPa43.5 ksi

Yield Strength (0.2% offset)

210 MPa30.5 ksi
170 MPa24.7 ksi

Elongation at Break

22%
25%

Shear Strength

210 MPa30.5 ksi
180 MPa26.1 ksi

Hardness, Brinell

100 HB
90 HB

Hardness, Vickers

105 HV
100 HV

Same in both: Elastic (Young's) Modulus 95 GPa13.8 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.36

Physical

Density and transition temperatures.

Density

9.75 g/cm³0.35 lb/in³
10.2 g/cm³0.37 lb/in³

Melting Point (Solidus)

771°C1,420 °F
807°C1,485 °F

Liquidus Temperature

893°C1,639 °F
810°C1,490 °F

Thermal

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

Thermal Conductivity

120 W/m·K69.3 BTU/hr·ft·°F
110 W/m·K63.6 BTU/hr·ft·°F

Specific Heat Capacity

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

Latent Heat of Fusion

140 J/g60.2 BTU/lb
—

Min Service Temperature

-196°C-321 °F
-269°C-452 °F

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

Electrical

Conductivity and insulation.

Electrical Conductivity

30 % IACS
25 % IACS

Electrical Resistivity

5.7×10⁻⁸ Ω·m2.24 µΩ·in
6.9×10⁻⁸ Ω·m2.72 µΩ·in

Chemical & Environmental

Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).

Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE)

0.05 V
0 V

Corrosion Resistance

65 / 100
70 / 100

Manufacturability

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

Machinability

55 / 100
35 / 100

Weldability

20 / 100
30 / 100

Castability

70 / 100
75 / 100

Brazeability / Solderability

95 / 100
97 / 100

Polishability

75 / 100
70 / 100

Same in both: Formability (cold) 80 / 100

Sustainability

Primary-production footprint per kilogram.

Embodied Energy (primary production)

900 MJ/kg386,931 BTU/lb
3,500 MJ/kg1,504,731 BTU/lb

Embodied Carbon (primary production)

110 kg CO₂/kg
250 kg CO₂/kg

Embodied Water

1,500 L/kg180 gal/lb
—

Same in both: Typical Recycled Content 60%

Common Calculations

Ratios derived from the values above.

Specific Strength (UTS / density)

43 kN·m/kg
29 kN·m/kg

Specific Stiffness (E / density)

9.7 MN·m/kg
9.3 MN·m/kg

Modulus of Resilience

232 kJ/m³
152 kJ/m³

Thermal Diffusivity

48.3 mm²/s
43.1 mm²/s

Thermal Shock Resistance Index

29
19

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-13aBVAg-30

Manufacturing and finishing

CapabilityBAg-13aBVAg-30
Default condition——
Relative cost$$$$ High$$$$ High
Min. machined wall——
Best machined surface——

BAg-13a vs BVAg-30 — frequently asked

Is BAg-13a stronger than BVAg-30?

Yes. BAg-13a has a typical yield strength of 210 MPa (30.5 ksi) against 170 MPa (24.7 ksi) for BVAg-30 — about 24% more. Tensile strength is 420 MPa (60.9 ksi) vs 300 MPa (43.5 ksi).

Which is cheaper, BAg-13a or BVAg-30?

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-30?

BAg-13a. Its machinability rates good (55/100) against fair (35/100) for BVAg-30; for welding the order is BVAg-30 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-30 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.