FabDigitFabDigit

Precious Metal BAg-1a vs BAg-2a

Precious Metal · grade comparison

Precious Metal BAg-1a and BAg-2a are both precious metal grades. Both yield at about 220 MPa — strength does not separate them. BAg-1a is harder — 95 HB against 85 HB for BAg-2a — which matters for wear surfaces and threads. BAg-2a is stiffer (90 GPa vs 85 GPa) and BAg-1a conducts heat better (90 W/m·K vs 75 W/m·K).

BAg-1aChoose it when surface hardness matters.

BAg-1a vs BAg-2a: properties

BAg-1aBAg-2a

Mechanical

Strength, stiffness, ductility and hardness at room temperature.

Elastic (Young's) Modulus

85 GPa12.3 Msi
90 GPa13.1 Msi

Shear Modulus

31 GPa4.5 Msi
33 GPa4.8 Msi

Bulk Modulus

101 GPa14.6 Msi
95 GPa13.8 Msi

Tensile Strength (Ultimate)

415 MPa60.2 ksi
400 MPa58 ksi

Yield Strength (0.2% offset)

220 MPa31.9 ksi
210 MPa30.5 ksi

Shear Strength

200 MPa29 ksi
175 MPa25.4 ksi

Hardness, Brinell

95 HB
85 HB

Hardness, Vickers

100 HV
95 HV

Same in both: Poisson's Ratio 0.36 · Elongation at Break 28%

Physical

Density and transition temperatures.

Density

9.3 g/cm³0.34 lb/in³
9.4 g/cm³0.34 lb/in³

Melting Point (Solidus)

627°C1,161 °F
607°C1,125 °F

Liquidus Temperature

635°C1,175 °F
710°C1,310 °F

Thermal

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

Thermal Conductivity

90 W/m·K52 BTU/hr·ft·°F
75 W/m·K43.3 BTU/hr·ft·°F

Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)

19.5 µm/m·K10.8 µin/in·°F
19 µm/m·K10.6 µin/in·°F

Latent Heat of Fusion

110 J/g47.3 BTU/lb
120 J/g51.6 BTU/lb

Same in both: Specific Heat Capacity 280 J/kg·K0.07 BTU/lb·°F · Max Service Temperature (continuous) 200°C392 °F · Min Service Temperature -196°C-321 °F

Electrical

Conductivity and insulation.

Electrical Conductivity

21 % IACS
20 % IACS

Electrical Resistivity

8.2×10⁻⁸ Ω·m3.23 µΩ·in
8.6×10⁻⁸ Ω·m3.39 µΩ·in

Chemical & Environmental

Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).

Corrosion Resistance

60 / 100
62 / 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.

Formability (cold)

75 / 100
80 / 100

Castability

85 / 100
75 / 100

Brazeability / Solderability

98 / 100
95 / 100

Weldability

—
20 / 100

Same in both: Machinability 45 / 100 · Polishability 70 / 100

Sustainability

Primary-production footprint per kilogram.

Embodied Energy (primary production)

900 MJ/kg386,931 BTU/lb
600 MJ/kg257,954 BTU/lb

Embodied Carbon (primary production)

65 kg CO₂/kg
45 kg CO₂/kg

Typical Recycled Content

40%
45%

Embodied Water

—
2,500 L/kg300 gal/lb

Common Calculations

Ratios derived from the values above.

Specific Strength (UTS / density)

45 kN·m/kg
43 kN·m/kg

Specific Stiffness (E / density)

9.1 MN·m/kg
9.6 MN·m/kg

Modulus of Resilience

285 kJ/m³
245 kJ/m³

Thermal Diffusivity

34.6 mm²/s
28.5 mm²/s

Thermal Shock Resistance Index

23
18

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-1aBAg-2a

Manufacturing and finishing

CapabilityBAg-1aBAg-2a
Default condition——
Relative cost$$$$ High$$$$ High
Min. machined wall——
Best machined surface——

BAg-1a vs BAg-2a — frequently asked

What is the difference between BAg-1a and BAg-2a?

Precious Metal BAg-1a and BAg-2a are both precious metal grades. Both yield at about 220 MPa — strength does not separate them. BAg-1a is harder — 95 HB against 85 HB for BAg-2a — which matters for wear surfaces and threads.

Which is cheaper, BAg-1a or BAg-2a?

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-1a over BAg-2a?

Pick BAg-1a when surface hardness matters.

Ready to make it?

Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in BAg-1a and BAg-2a 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.