Kinds of Alloys

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Home Learning Center Jewelry Making Bench Tips and TricksKinds of Alloys

This segment from the 2017 MJSA Journal November issue is dedicated to metals, tools, software and more that aids jewelers and designers in their quest to create their masterpieces. In this article we talk about Alloys.

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Kinds of Alloys

10k White Easy & 14k White Easy & Medium Solders

Umicore has reformulated three of its gold solders. Designed to be softer and easier to use, the 10k white easy solder offers improved whiteness and a lower melting temperature that that of previous versions. It has a liquidus temperature of 720°C (1,328°F) and a solidus temperature of 680°C (1,256°F). Suitable for repair, re-tipping, and sizing applications, the 14k white gold easy and medium solders have been reformulated for improved whiteness and a lower melting temperature than that of earlier iterations. The medium solder features a liquidus temperature of 750°C (1,382°F) and a solidus temperature of 720°C (1,328°F); the easy solder has a liquidus temperature of 710°C (1,310°F) and a solidus temperature of 650°C (1,202°F). All three of the solders are available in 1.5 to 2 gram coupons. Contact: Umicore Precious Metals USA Inc., 200 Wampanoag Trail, Riverside, RI 02915; 1-877-795-5060; fax 877-455-0651; e-mail usa-salesweb@umicore.com; umicorepreciousmetals.com.

18k Solder Flush Strip

Designed to be easy to use, this 18k solder flush strip is a high assay, two-layer bonded strip comprised of one layer of gold and one layer of solder. Suitable for solder assembly as well as for soldering beads, clasps, charms, and more, it has a liquidus temperature of 804°C (1,479°F) and a solidus temperature of 797°C (1,466°F). Contact: UmicorePrecious Metals USA Inc., 200 Wampanoag Trail, Riverside, RI 02915; 1-877-795- 5060; fax 877-455-0651; e-mail usa-salesweb@umicore.com; umicorepreciousmetals.com.

Artisanal Mined Alaskan Gold

Offered to give customers the ability to label their products as "Made in USA," this Alaskan gold is exclusively sourced at artisanal mines in Fairbanks and Nome, Alaska. It is available in raw form as nuggets, placer flakes, or unrefined grain as well as refined grain that is purified to 0.9999 fine. Contact: General Refining Corp., 59 Madison Ave., Hempstead, NY 11550; 1-516-538-4747; fax 538-4767; e-mail kevin@generalrefining.com; generalrefining.com.

Artisanal Mined Canadian Gold

This artisanal mined Canadian gold is mined exclusively from mines located in Canada's Yukon territory. It is available in raw form as gold nuggets, placer flakes, or unrefined grain as well as refined grain that is purified to 0.9999 fine. Contact: General RefiningCorp., 59 Madison Ave., Hempstead, NY 11550; 1-516-538-4747; fax 538-4767; e-mail kevin@generalrefining.com; generalrefining.com.

Simply White

Designed to make plating obsolete, Simply White is an 18k white gold alloy formulated with a high nickel content to create a finished product so white that there is no need to plate it. Available as casting grain and chopped sheet, the alloy has a melting point of 903°C (1,657°F), and a casting temperature range of 1,020°C to 1,030°C (1,868°F to 1,886°F). When torch melting the alloy, users should avoid using too much oxygen. Contact: United Precious Metal Refining Inc., 2781 Townline Road, Alden, NY 14004; 1-800-999-3463; fax 800-533-6657; e-mail sales@unitedpmr.com; unitedpmr.com.

Arctic Fox Casting Grain

Developed to reduce firescale and porosity when casting sterling silver, Arctic Fox Casting Grain is an anti-tarnish silver alloy that has been reformulated to be easy to polish and to leave less residue during casting. With a density of 10.25 grams, the alloy has a melting range of 825°C-867°C (1,516°F-1,593°F). While the optimum casting temperature of the alloy will depend on the items being cast, most items should be cast at a temperature between 920°C and 1,000°C (1,688°F and 1,832°F). After casting, flasks should be cooled at room temperature until no longer red hot and then quenched in water. The alloy offers an as-cast ultimate tensile strength of 30,000 psi. Contact: Umicore PreciousMetals USA Inc., 200 Wampanoag Trail, Riverside, RI 02915; 1-877-795- 5060; fax 877-455-0651; e-mail usa-salesweb@umicore.com; umicorepreciousmetals.com.

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The award-winning Journal is published monthly by MJSA, the trade association for professional jewelry makers, designers, and related suppliers. It offers design ideas, fabrication and production techniques, bench tips, business and marketing insights, and trend and technology updates—the information crucial for business success. “More than other publications, MJSA Journal is oriented toward people like me: those trying to earn a living by designing and making jewelry,” says Jim Binnion of James Binnion Metal Arts.

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