Precious Metal BAu-1 vs BVAu-5
Precious Metal · grade comparison
Precious Metal BAu-1 and BVAu-5 are both precious metal grades. BAu-1 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 180 MPa (26.1 ksi) against 150 MPa (21.8 ksi) for BVAu-5, about 20% more. BVAu-5 is harder — 100 HV against 95 HV for BAu-1 — which matters for wear surfaces and threads. BAu-1 is stiffer (105 GPa vs 95 GPa) and BVAu-5 runs hotter in service (500°C vs 425°C continuous).
BAu-1Choose it when strength drives the design.
BVAu-5Choose it when surface hardness matters, or when the part sees heat.
BAu-1 vs BVAu-5: 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.
Elastic (Young's) Modulus
Shear Modulus
Bulk Modulus
Poisson's Ratio
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
Shear Strength
Hardness, Vickers
Hardness, Brinell
Same in both: Elongation at Break 28%
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
Specific Heat Capacity
Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)
Latent Heat of Fusion
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Same in both: Min Service Temperature -269°C-452 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Electrical Conductivity
Electrical Resistivity
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Corrosion Resistance
Same in both: Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE) 0.15 V
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Formability (cold)
Brazeability / Solderability
Polishability
Weldability
Castability
Same in both: Machinability 45 / 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 | BAu-1 | BVAu-5 |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | — | — |
| Relative cost | $$$$ High | $$$$ High |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
BAu-1 vs BVAu-5 — frequently asked
Is BAu-1 stronger than BVAu-5?
Yes. BAu-1 has a typical yield strength of 180 MPa (26.1 ksi) against 150 MPa (21.8 ksi) for BVAu-5 — about 20% more. Tensile strength is 350 MPa (50.8 ksi) vs 340 MPa (49.3 ksi).
Which is cheaper, BAu-1 or BVAu-5?
Both sit in the same relative cost tier ($$$$, high); the part price will be decided by machining time, tolerance and quantity rather than by the material.
When should I choose BAu-1 over BVAu-5?
Pick BAu-1 when strength drives the design. Pick BVAu-5 when surface hardness matters, or when the part sees heat.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in BAu-1 and BVAu-5 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.