Precious Metal BAu-4 vs BVAu-2
Precious Metal · grade comparison
Precious Metal BAu-4 and BVAu-2 are both precious metal grades. BVAu-2 is the stronger of the two: tensile strength 400 MPa (58 ksi) against 340 MPa (49.3 ksi) for BAu-4, about 18% more. BAu-4 is harder — 150 HV against 140 HV for BVAu-2 — which matters for wear surfaces and threads. BAu-4 is stiffer (105 GPa vs 92 GPa) and BAu-4 runs hotter in service (800°C vs 400°C continuous). On the shop floor, BVAu-2 welds better (good vs fair) and BVAu-2 forms better (excellent vs very good).
BAu-4Choose it when surface hardness matters, or when the part sees heat.
BVAu-2Choose it when strength drives the design, or when it will be welded.
BAu-4 vs BVAu-2: 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
Reduction in Area
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Rockwell B
Same in both: Elongation at Break 25%
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Melting Point (Solidus)
Liquidus Temperature
Same in both: Density 15.9 g/cm³0.57 lb/in³
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Thermal Conductivity
Specific Heat Capacity
Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Same in both: Latent Heat of Fusion 90 J/g38.7 BTU/lb · 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
Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE)
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability
Weldability
Formability (cold)
Castability
Brazeability / Solderability
Polishability
Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Embodied Energy (primary production)
Typical Recycled Content
Same in both: Embodied Carbon (primary production) 14,000 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 200,000 L/kg23,965 gal/lb
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-4 | BVAu-2 |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | — | — |
| Relative cost | $$$$ High | $$$$ High |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
BAu-4 vs BVAu-2 — frequently asked
Is BVAu-2 stronger than BAu-4?
Yes. BVAu-2 has a typical tensile strength of 400 MPa (58 ksi) against 340 MPa (49.3 ksi) for BAu-4 — about 18% more.
Which is cheaper, BAu-4 or BVAu-2?
Both sit in the same relative cost tier ($$$$, high); the part price will be decided by machining time, tolerance and quantity rather than by the material.
Which is easier to machine, BAu-4 or BVAu-2?
BVAu-2, by a small margin. Both rate fair for machinability — 40/100 against 35/100 for BAu-4; for welding the order is BVAu-2 first (good, 60/100) then BAu-4 (fair, 40/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in BAu-4 and BVAu-2 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.