Precious Metal BVAu-4 vs BVAu-5
Precious Metal · grade comparison
Precious Metal BVAu-4 and BVAu-5 are both precious metal grades. BVAu-4 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 260 MPa (37.7 ksi) against 150 MPa (21.8 ksi) for BVAu-5, about 73% more; tensile strength follows at 400 MPa (58 ksi) vs 340 MPa (49.3 ksi). In exchange, BVAu-5 is the more ductile: elongation 28% versus 10% for BVAu-4, and BVAu-4 is harder (130 HV vs 100 HV). BVAu-5 is lighter (11.3 g/cm³ vs 15.9 g/cm³ for BVAu-4) and BVAu-4 is stiffer (115 GPa vs 95 GPa). On the shop floor, BVAu-5 machines more easily (45 vs 35 out of 100).
BVAu-4Choose it when strength drives the design, or when the part sees heat.
BVAu-5Choose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when weight is the constraint.
BVAu-4 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
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
Elongation at Break
Shear Strength
Hardness, Vickers
Hardness, Brinell
Same in both: Poisson's Ratio 0.36
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
Formability (cold)
Brazeability / Solderability
Polishability
Same in both: Weldability 40 / 100 · Castability 80 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Embodied Energy (primary production)
Embodied Carbon (primary production)
Embodied Water
Typical Recycled Content
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-4 | BVAu-5 |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | — | — |
| Relative cost | $$$$ High | $$$$ High |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
BVAu-4 vs BVAu-5 — frequently asked
Is BVAu-4 stronger than BVAu-5?
Yes. BVAu-4 has a typical yield strength of 260 MPa (37.7 ksi) against 150 MPa (21.8 ksi) for BVAu-5 — about 73% more. Tensile strength is 400 MPa (58 ksi) vs 340 MPa (49.3 ksi).
Which is cheaper, BVAu-4 or BVAu-5?
Both sit in the same relative cost tier ($$$$, high); the part price will be decided by machining time, tolerance and quantity rather than by the material.
Which is easier to machine, BVAu-4 or BVAu-5?
BVAu-5, by a small margin. Both rate fair for machinability — 45/100 against 35/100 for BVAu-4.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in BVAu-4 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.