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Precious Metal BAg-2a vs BVAg-6b

Precious Metal · grade comparison

Precious Metal BAg-2a and BVAg-6b are both precious metal grades. BAg-2a is the stronger of the two: yield strength 210 MPa (30.5 ksi) against 150 MPa (21.8 ksi) for BVAg-6b, about 40% more; tensile strength follows at 400 MPa (58 ksi) vs 340 MPa (49.3 ksi). BAg-2a is the more ductile: elongation 28% versus 25% for BVAg-6b, and BVAg-6b is harder (95 HB vs 85 HB). BVAg-6b is stiffer (100 GPa vs 90 GPa) and BVAg-6b runs hotter in service (370°C vs 200°C continuous). On the shop floor, BAg-2a machines more easily (45 vs 35 out of 100).

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

BVAg-6bChoose it when the part sees heat.

BAg-2a vs BVAg-6b: properties

BAg-2aBVAg-6b

Mechanical

Strength, stiffness, ductility and hardness at room temperature.

Elastic (Young's) Modulus

90 GPa13.1 Msi
100 GPa14.5 Msi

Shear Modulus

33 GPa4.8 Msi
38 GPa5.5 Msi

Bulk Modulus

95 GPa13.8 Msi
122 GPa17.7 Msi

Tensile Strength (Ultimate)

400 MPa58 ksi
340 MPa49.3 ksi

Yield Strength (0.2% offset)

210 MPa30.5 ksi
150 MPa21.8 ksi

Elongation at Break

28%
25%

Shear Strength

175 MPa25.4 ksi
200 MPa29 ksi

Hardness, Brinell

85 HB
95 HB

Hardness, Vickers

95 HV
100 HV

Same in both: Poisson's Ratio 0.36

Physical

Density and transition temperatures.

Density

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

Melting Point (Solidus)

607°C1,125 °F
779°C1,434 °F

Liquidus Temperature

710°C1,310 °F
850°C1,562 °F

Thermal

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

Thermal Conductivity

75 W/m·K43.3 BTU/hr·ft·°F
220 W/m·K127 BTU/hr·ft·°F

Specific Heat Capacity

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

Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)

19 µm/m·K10.6 µin/in·°F
18.2 µm/m·K10.1 µin/in·°F

Latent Heat of Fusion

120 J/g51.6 BTU/lb
145 J/g62.3 BTU/lb

Max Service Temperature (continuous)

200°C392 °F
370°C698 °F

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

Electrical

Conductivity and insulation.

Electrical Conductivity

20 % IACS
48 % IACS

Electrical Resistivity

8.6×10⁻⁸ Ω·m3.39 µΩ·in
3.6×10⁻⁸ Ω·m1.42 µΩ·in

Chemical & Environmental

Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).

Corrosion Resistance

62 / 100
55 / 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

45 / 100
35 / 100

Castability

75 / 100
70 / 100

Polishability

70 / 100
85 / 100

Same in both: Weldability 20 / 100 · Formability (cold) 80 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 95 / 100

Sustainability

Primary-production footprint per kilogram.

Embodied Energy (primary production)

600 MJ/kg257,954 BTU/lb
800 MJ/kg343,938 BTU/lb

Embodied Carbon (primary production)

45 kg CO₂/kg
57 kg CO₂/kg

Embodied Water

2,500 L/kg300 gal/lb
400 L/kg47.9 gal/lb

Typical Recycled Content

45%
60%

Common Calculations

Ratios derived from the values above.

Specific Strength (UTS / density)

43 kN·m/kg
35 kN·m/kg

Specific Stiffness (E / density)

9.6 MN·m/kg
10.4 MN·m/kg

Modulus of Resilience

245 kJ/m³
113 kJ/m³

Thermal Diffusivity

28.5 mm²/s
73.9 mm²/s

Thermal Shock Resistance Index

18
41

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-2aBVAg-6b

Manufacturing and finishing

CapabilityBAg-2aBVAg-6b
Default condition——
Relative cost$$$$ High$$$$ High
Min. machined wall——
Best machined surface——

BAg-2a vs BVAg-6b — frequently asked

Is BAg-2a stronger than BVAg-6b?

Yes. BAg-2a has a typical yield strength of 210 MPa (30.5 ksi) against 150 MPa (21.8 ksi) for BVAg-6b — about 40% more. Tensile strength is 400 MPa (58 ksi) vs 340 MPa (49.3 ksi).

Which is cheaper, BAg-2a or BVAg-6b?

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-2a or BVAg-6b?

BAg-2a, by a small margin. Both rate fair for machinability — 45/100 against 35/100 for BVAg-6b.

Ready to make it?

Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in BAg-2a and BVAg-6b 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.