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Precious Metal BAg-13a vs BVAg-8b

Precious Metal · grade comparison

Precious Metal BAg-13a and BVAg-8b are both precious metal grades. BAg-13a is the stronger of the two: yield strength 210 MPa (30.5 ksi) against 165 MPa (23.9 ksi) for BVAg-8b, about 27% more; tensile strength follows at 420 MPa (60.9 ksi) vs 300 MPa (43.5 ksi). In exchange, BVAg-8b is the more ductile: elongation 28% versus 22% for BAg-13a, and BAg-13a is harder (100 HB vs 70 HB). BAg-13a is stiffer (95 GPa vs 85 GPa) and BVAg-8b conducts heat better (355 W/m·K vs 120 W/m·K). On the shop floor, BAg-13a machines more easily (good vs fair).

BAg-13aChoose it when strength drives the design, or when the part is machined in volume.

BVAg-8bChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.

BAg-13a vs BVAg-8b: properties

BAg-13aBVAg-8b

Mechanical

Strength, stiffness, ductility and hardness at room temperature.

Elastic (Young's) Modulus

95 GPa13.8 Msi
85 GPa12.3 Msi

Shear Modulus

35 GPa5.1 Msi
31 GPa4.5 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
165 MPa23.9 ksi

Elongation at Break

22%
28%

Shear Strength

210 MPa30.5 ksi
200 MPa29 ksi

Hardness, Brinell

100 HB
70 HB

Hardness, Vickers

105 HV
75 HV

Same in both: Poisson's Ratio 0.36

Physical

Density and transition temperatures.

Density

9.75 g/cm³0.35 lb/in³
9.9 g/cm³0.36 lb/in³

Melting Point (Solidus)

771°C1,420 °F
766°C1,411 °F

Liquidus Temperature

893°C1,639 °F
771°C1,420 °F

Thermal

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

Thermal Conductivity

120 W/m·K69.3 BTU/hr·ft·°F
355 W/m·K205 BTU/hr·ft·°F

Specific Heat Capacity

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

Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)

18.5 µm/m·K10.3 µin/in·°F
19.6 µm/m·K10.9 µin/in·°F

Latent Heat of Fusion

140 J/g60.2 BTU/lb
110 J/g47.3 BTU/lb

Max Service Temperature (continuous)

400°C752 °F
370°C698 °F

Min Service Temperature

-196°C-321 °F
-269°C-452 °F

Electrical

Conductivity and insulation.

Electrical Conductivity

30 % IACS
87 % IACS

Electrical Resistivity

5.7×10⁻⁸ Ω·m2.24 µΩ·in
1.98×10⁻⁸ Ω·m0.78 µΩ·in

Chemical & Environmental

Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).

Corrosion Resistance

65 / 100
72 / 100

Same in both: Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE) 0.05 V

Manufacturability

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

Machinability

55 / 100
40 / 100

Weldability

20 / 100
—

Formability (cold)

80 / 100
85 / 100

Brazeability / Solderability

95 / 100
100 / 100

Same in both: Castability 70 / 100 · Polishability 75 / 100

Sustainability

Primary-production footprint per kilogram.

Embodied Energy (primary production)

900 MJ/kg386,931 BTU/lb
1,100 MJ/kg472,915 BTU/lb

Embodied Carbon (primary production)

110 kg CO₂/kg
95 kg CO₂/kg

Embodied Water

1,500 L/kg180 gal/lb
—

Typical Recycled Content

60%
35%

Common Calculations

Ratios derived from the values above.

Specific Strength (UTS / density)

43 kN·m/kg
30 kN·m/kg

Specific Stiffness (E / density)

9.7 MN·m/kg
8.6 MN·m/kg

Modulus of Resilience

232 kJ/m³
160 kJ/m³

Thermal Diffusivity

48.3 mm²/s
143.4 mm²/s

Thermal Shock Resistance Index

29
64

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-8b

Manufacturing and finishing

CapabilityBAg-13aBVAg-8b
Default condition——
Relative cost$$$$ High$$$$ High
Min. machined wall——
Best machined surface——

BAg-13a vs BVAg-8b — frequently asked

Is BAg-13a stronger than BVAg-8b?

Yes. BAg-13a has a typical yield strength of 210 MPa (30.5 ksi) against 165 MPa (23.9 ksi) for BVAg-8b — about 27% more. Tensile strength is 420 MPa (60.9 ksi) vs 300 MPa (43.5 ksi).

Which is cheaper, BAg-13a or BVAg-8b?

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-8b?

BAg-13a. Its machinability rates good (55/100) against fair (40/100) for BVAg-8b.

Ready to make it?

Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in BAg-13a and BVAg-8b 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.