Precious Metal BVAu-3 vs BVAu-8
Precious Metal · grade comparison
Precious Metal BVAu-3 and BVAu-8 are both precious metal grades. BVAu-3 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 210 MPa (30.5 ksi) against 100 MPa (14.5 ksi) for BVAu-8, about 110% more; tensile strength follows at 415 MPa (60.2 ksi) vs 250 MPa (36.3 ksi). In exchange, BVAu-8 is the more ductile: elongation 30% versus 25% for BVAu-3, and BVAu-3 is harder (125 HV vs 60 HV). BVAu-3 is lighter (11.1 g/cm³ vs 17.85 g/cm³ for BVAu-8) and BVAu-3 is stiffer (105 GPa vs 90 GPa).
BVAu-3Choose it when strength drives the design, or when weight is the constraint.
BVAu-8Choose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat.
BVAu-3 vs BVAu-8: 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
Poisson's Ratio
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
Elongation at Break
Shear Strength
Hardness, Vickers
Bulk Modulus
Reduction in Area
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
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
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).
Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE)
Corrosion Resistance
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)
Embodied Carbon (primary production)
Typical Recycled Content
Embodied Water
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 | BVAu-3 | BVAu-8 |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | — | — |
| Relative cost | $$$$ High | $$$$ High |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
BVAu-3 vs BVAu-8 — frequently asked
Is BVAu-3 stronger than BVAu-8?
Yes. BVAu-3 has a typical yield strength of 210 MPa (30.5 ksi) against 100 MPa (14.5 ksi) for BVAu-8 — about 110% more. Tensile strength is 415 MPa (60.2 ksi) vs 250 MPa (36.3 ksi).
Which is cheaper, BVAu-3 or BVAu-8?
Both sit in the same relative cost tier ($$$$, high); the part price will be decided by machining time, tolerance and quantity rather than by the material.
Which is easier to machine, BVAu-3 or BVAu-8?
BVAu-3. Its machinability rates fair (35/100) against poor (30/100) for BVAu-8.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in BVAu-3 and BVAu-8 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.