Precious Metal BAu-5 vs BVAu-3
Precious Metal · grade comparison
Precious Metal BAu-5 and BVAu-3 are both precious metal grades. BAu-5 is the stronger of the two: tensile strength 480 MPa (69.6 ksi) against 415 MPa (60.2 ksi) for BVAu-3, about 16% more. In exchange, BVAu-3 is the more ductile: elongation 25% versus 10% for BAu-5, and BAu-5 is harder (200 HV vs 125 HV). BVAu-3 is lighter (11.1 g/cm³ vs 11.9 g/cm³ for BAu-5) and BAu-5 is stiffer (150 GPa vs 105 GPa).
BAu-5Choose it when strength drives the design, or when the part sees heat.
BVAu-3Choose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when weight is the constraint.
BAu-5 vs BVAu-3: 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
Poisson's Ratio
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Elongation at Break
Shear Strength
Hardness, Vickers
Shear Modulus
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Density
Melting Point (Solidus)
Liquidus Temperature
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Specific Heat Capacity
Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Thermal Conductivity
Latent Heat of Fusion
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
Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE)
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Polishability
Machinability
Weldability
Formability (cold)
Castability
Same in both: Brazeability / Solderability 95 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Embodied Energy (primary production)
Embodied Carbon (primary production)
Same in both: Typical Recycled Content 60%
Common Calculations
Ratios derived from the values above.
Specific Strength (UTS / density)
Specific Stiffness (E / density)
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-5 | BVAu-3 |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | — | — |
| Relative cost | $$$$ High | $$$$ High |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
BAu-5 vs BVAu-3 — frequently asked
Is BAu-5 stronger than BVAu-3?
Yes. BAu-5 has a typical tensile strength of 480 MPa (69.6 ksi) against 415 MPa (60.2 ksi) for BVAu-3 — about 16% more.
Which is cheaper, BAu-5 or BVAu-3?
Both sit in the same relative cost tier ($$$$, high); the part price will be decided by machining time, tolerance and quantity rather than by the material.
When should I choose BAu-5 over BVAu-3?
Pick BAu-5 when strength drives the design, or when the part sees heat. Pick BVAu-3 when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when weight is the constraint.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in BAu-5 and BVAu-3 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.