Precious Metal BAg-18 vs BAg-21
Precious Metal · grade comparison
Precious Metal BAg-18 and BAg-21 are both precious metal grades. BAg-21 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 300 MPa (43.5 ksi) against 210 MPa (30.5 ksi) for BAg-18, about 43% more; tensile strength follows at 450 MPa (65.3 ksi) vs 380 MPa (55.1 ksi). In exchange, BAg-18 is the more ductile: elongation 28% versus 20% for BAg-21, and BAg-21 is harder (118 HB vs 95 HB). BAg-21 runs hotter in service (400°C vs 200°C continuous) and BAg-18 conducts heat better (75 W/m·K vs 65 W/m·K).
BAg-18Choose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
BAg-21Choose it when strength drives the design, or when the part sees heat.
BAg-18 vs BAg-21: 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
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
Elongation at Break
Shear Strength
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Vickers
Bulk Modulus
Same in both: Elastic (Young's) Modulus 85 GPa12.3 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.36
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
Latent Heat of Fusion
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Same in both: Specific Heat Capacity 250 J/kg·K0.06 BTU/lb·°F · 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.
Formability (cold)
Castability
Brazeability / Solderability
Polishability
Same in both: Machinability 35 / 100 · Weldability 20 / 100
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-18 | BAg-21 |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | — | — |
| Relative cost | $$$$ High | $$$$ High |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
BAg-18 vs BAg-21 — frequently asked
Is BAg-21 stronger than BAg-18?
Yes. BAg-21 has a typical yield strength of 300 MPa (43.5 ksi) against 210 MPa (30.5 ksi) for BAg-18 — about 43% more. Tensile strength is 450 MPa (65.3 ksi) vs 380 MPa (55.1 ksi).
Which is cheaper, BAg-18 or BAg-21?
Both sit in the same relative cost tier ($$$$, high); the part price will be decided by machining time, tolerance and quantity rather than by the material.
When should I choose BAg-18 over BAg-21?
Pick BAg-18 when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded. Pick BAg-21 when strength drives the design, or when the part sees heat.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in BAg-18 and BAg-21 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.