Precious Metal BAu-3 vs BVAu-5
Precious Metal · grade comparison
Precious Metal BAu-3 and BVAu-5 are both precious metal grades. BAu-3 is the stronger of the two: tensile strength 400 MPa (58 ksi) against 340 MPa (49.3 ksi) for BVAu-5, about 18% more. In exchange, BVAu-5 is the more ductile: elongation 28% versus 20% for BAu-3, and BAu-3 is harder (130 HV vs 100 HV). BAu-3 is stiffer (105 GPa vs 95 GPa) and BVAu-5 conducts heat better (75 W/m·K vs 50 W/m·K).
BAu-3Choose it when strength drives the design.
BVAu-5Choose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
BAu-3 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)
Elongation at Break
Shear Strength
Hardness, Vickers
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
Hardness, Brinell
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
Latent Heat of Fusion
Same in both: Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 16.5 µm/m·K9.2 µin/in·°F · Max Service Temperature (continuous) 500°C932 °F · Min Service Temperature -269°C-452 °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
Machinability
Weldability
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Embodied Energy (primary production)
Embodied Carbon (primary production)
Embodied Water
Same in both: Typical Recycled Content 60%
Common Calculations
Ratios derived from the values above.
Specific Strength (UTS / density)
Specific Stiffness (E / density)
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-3 | BVAu-5 |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | — | — |
| Relative cost | $$$$ High | $$$$ High |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
BAu-3 vs BVAu-5 — frequently asked
Is BAu-3 stronger than BVAu-5?
Yes. BAu-3 has a typical tensile strength of 400 MPa (58 ksi) against 340 MPa (49.3 ksi) for BVAu-5 — about 18% more.
Which is cheaper, BAu-3 or BVAu-5?
Both sit in the same relative cost tier ($$$$, high); the part price will be decided by machining time, tolerance and quantity rather than by the material.
When should I choose BAu-3 over BVAu-5?
Pick BAu-3 when strength drives the design. Pick BVAu-5 when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in BAu-3 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.