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Precious Metal BAg-23 vs BAg-2a

Precious Metal · grade comparison

Precious Metal BAg-23 and BAg-2a are both precious metal grades. BAg-2a is the stronger of the two: yield strength 210 MPa (30.5 ksi) against 180 MPa (26.1 ksi) for BAg-23, about 17% more; tensile strength follows at 400 MPa (58 ksi) vs 340 MPa (49.3 ksi). BAg-2a is the more ductile: elongation 28% versus 20% for BAg-23, and BAg-23 is harder (95 HB vs 85 HB). BAg-2a is lighter (9.4 g/cm³ vs 9.8 g/cm³ for BAg-23) and BAg-2a is stiffer (90 GPa vs 85 GPa). On the shop floor, BAg-23 welds better (30 vs 20 out of 100).

BAg-23Choose it when the part sees heat, or when it will be welded.

BAg-2aChoose it when strength drives the design, or when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.

BAg-23 vs BAg-2a: properties

BAg-23BAg-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

Poisson's Ratio

0.37
0.36

Tensile Strength (Ultimate)

340 MPa49.3 ksi
400 MPa58 ksi

Yield Strength (0.2% offset)

180 MPa26.1 ksi
210 MPa30.5 ksi

Elongation at Break

20%
28%

Shear Strength

200 MPa29 ksi
175 MPa25.4 ksi

Hardness, Brinell

95 HB
85 HB

Hardness, Vickers

100 HV
95 HV

Same in both: Bulk Modulus 95 GPa13.8 Msi

Physical

Density and transition temperatures.

Density

9.8 g/cm³0.35 lb/in³
9.4 g/cm³0.34 lb/in³

Melting Point (Solidus)

960°C1,760 °F
607°C1,125 °F

Liquidus Temperature

970°C1,778 °F
710°C1,310 °F

Thermal

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

Thermal Conductivity

45 W/m·K26 BTU/hr·ft·°F
75 W/m·K43.3 BTU/hr·ft·°F

Specific Heat Capacity

250 J/kg·K0.06 BTU/lb·°F
280 J/kg·K0.07 BTU/lb·°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

Max Service Temperature (continuous)

450°C842 °F
200°C392 °F

Same in both: Min Service Temperature -196°C-321 °F

Electrical

Conductivity and insulation.

Electrical Conductivity

8 % IACS
20 % IACS

Electrical Resistivity

2.1×10⁻⁷ Ω·m8.27 µΩ·in
8.6×10⁻⁸ Ω·m3.39 µΩ·in

Chemical & Environmental

Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).

Corrosion Resistance

72 / 100
62 / 100

Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE)

—
-0.05 V

Manufacturability

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

Machinability

40 / 100
45 / 100

Weldability

30 / 100
20 / 100

Formability (cold)

75 / 100
80 / 100

Castability

65 / 100
75 / 100

Brazeability / Solderability

85 / 100
95 / 100

Same in both: Polishability 70 / 100

Sustainability

Primary-production footprint per kilogram.

Embodied Energy (primary production)

1,350 MJ/kg580,396 BTU/lb
600 MJ/kg257,954 BTU/lb

Embodied Carbon (primary production)

115 kg CO₂/kg
45 kg CO₂/kg

Embodied Water

2,200 L/kg264 gal/lb
2,500 L/kg300 gal/lb

Typical Recycled Content

35%
45%

Common Calculations

Ratios derived from the values above.

Specific Strength (UTS / density)

35 kN·m/kg
43 kN·m/kg

Specific Stiffness (E / density)

8.7 MN·m/kg
9.6 MN·m/kg

Modulus of Resilience

191 kJ/m³
245 kJ/m³

Thermal Diffusivity

18.4 mm²/s
28.5 mm²/s

Thermal Shock Resistance Index

9
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-2aBAg-23

Manufacturing and finishing

CapabilityBAg-23BAg-2a
Default condition——
Relative cost$$$$ High$$$$ High
Min. machined wall——
Best machined surface——

BAg-23 vs BAg-2a — frequently asked

Is BAg-2a stronger than BAg-23?

Yes. BAg-2a has a typical yield strength of 210 MPa (30.5 ksi) against 180 MPa (26.1 ksi) for BAg-23 — about 17% more. Tensile strength is 400 MPa (58 ksi) vs 340 MPa (49.3 ksi).

Which is cheaper, BAg-23 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.

Which is easier to machine, BAg-23 or BAg-2a?

BAg-2a, by a small margin. Both rate fair for machinability — 45/100 against 40/100 for BAg-23; for welding the order is BAg-23 first (poor, 30/100) then BAg-2a (poor, 20/100).

Ready to make it?

Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in BAg-23 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.