[Jewelry making - Article 00228] - Re: [Orchid] Laser welder usage

[Douglas Zaruba]

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Phillip,

    We have a LaserStar that we purchased 3 years ago. It took a while to
    learn how to use this thing. The training we received did not allow
    us to just start working immediately. Much of what we were told just
    wasn't correct, or we found that it was still easier or better to do
    with a touch. After we figured out how to get consistently good
    welds, we began to use it a lot, and it paid for itself in only 18
    months. 

>         How what kinds of designs are you making that you would not
>     have been able to do without the laser       

    I think we use the laser mostly as a tacking tool prior to soldering.
    We do mostly 18k and platinum fabrication in a small custom shop.
    Other tools will also tack things together, but not with the
    precision of the laser. It will also fully weld dissimilar metals,
    such as platinum and 18k, so it is very useful for multi metal
    fabrication. 

>          Has it changed how you approach design? 

    A little. We are doing complicated fabrication projects in far less
    time, so we are able to incorporate them more freely and still
    maintain the budget. Because the laser can weld without contact, we
    are designing things that can only be welded internally. We weld
    through a small "porthole" that often is covered by a stone. We have
    also welded solder into a piece, then "set" another component over it
    and soldered with a torch (a platinum plate into an 18k bezel, for
    example). No possibility of solder on the platinum to clean up later. 

    I am also using the laser as a texturing tool..... 

>          Has your design work changed?  My design work is 

    ALWAYS evolving... 


>           Have you used metals you would not have previously used in
>     your designs? 

    		We are working with titanium, stainless steel, and cobalt
    chromium. 

>          Has your designs changed dramatically? 

    More of a personal choice that driven by technology. 

>          Have you chosen to use more fragile stones?        

    No.   I still feel that it is risky to weld near stones that may be
    damaged.  Accidents happen (ask Murphy). A laser burst can damage any
    stone, and the beam can be reflected off the metal, or the metal
    could spray onto the stone. 

>         Have you designed items which would otherwise be too risky to
>     make? 	   

    I simply don't take risks with expensive stones, customer's jewelry,
    or exotic cars.... 

    We are doing all of our platinum sizing with the laser, as well as
    casting repair. I like to use it on the outside of seams, like
    bezels in 18k and platinum, since it makes the seam invisible. I
    still torch solder the seam, or at least anneal the work after
    soldering ( the joint can be somewhat brittle). Less risky than
    fusing.  It is very useful for repair work. 

    Feel free to contact me if you have any questions, or would like
    more information. 

Doug Zaruba
301 695-4556


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