Precious Metal BVAu-2 vs BVAu-4
Precious Metal · grade comparison
Precious Metal BVAu-2 and BVAu-4 are both precious metal grades. BVAu-4 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 260 MPa (37.7 ksi) against 200 MPa (29 ksi) for BVAu-2, about 30% more. In exchange, BVAu-2 is the more ductile: elongation 25% versus 10% for BVAu-4, and BVAu-2 is harder (140 HV vs 130 HV). BVAu-4 is stiffer (115 GPa vs 92 GPa) and BVAu-4 runs hotter in service (800°C vs 400°C continuous). On the shop floor, BVAu-2 welds better (good vs fair).
BVAu-2Choose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when it will be welded.
BVAu-4Choose it when strength drives the design, or when the part sees heat.
BVAu-2 vs BVAu-4: 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
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
Elongation at Break
Reduction in Area
Shear Strength
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Rockwell B
Hardness, Vickers
Same in both: Tensile Strength (Ultimate) 400 MPa58 ksi
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)
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) 0.25 V
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability
Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)
Weldability
Formability (cold)
Castability
Polishability
Same in both: Brazeability / Solderability 98 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Embodied Carbon (primary production)
Typical Recycled Content
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 200,000 MJ/kg8.6×10⁷ BTU/lb · Embodied Water 200,000 L/kg23,965 gal/lb
Common Calculations
Ratios derived from the values above.
Specific Stiffness (E / density)
Modulus of Resilience
Thermal Diffusivity
Thermal Shock Resistance Index
Same in both: Specific Strength (UTS / density) 25 kN·m/kg
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 | BVAu-2 | BVAu-4 |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | — | — |
| Relative cost | $$$$ High | $$$$ High |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
BVAu-2 vs BVAu-4 — frequently asked
Is BVAu-4 stronger than BVAu-2?
Yes. BVAu-4 has a typical yield strength of 260 MPa (37.7 ksi) against 200 MPa (29 ksi) for BVAu-2 — about 30% more. Tensile strength is 400 MPa (58 ksi) vs 400 MPa (58 ksi).
Which is cheaper, BVAu-2 or BVAu-4?
Both sit in the same relative cost tier ($$$$, high); the part price will be decided by machining time, tolerance and quantity rather than by the material.
Which is easier to machine, BVAu-2 or BVAu-4?
BVAu-2, by a small margin. Both rate fair for machinability — 40/100 against 35/100 for BVAu-4; for welding the order is BVAu-2 first (good, 60/100) then BVAu-4 (fair, 40/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in BVAu-2 and BVAu-4 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.