[Jewelry making - Article 01237] - Re: [Orchid] Ingot Casting

[James Binnion]

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    It is considered proper practice to add the component metals in
    order of their melting point. So for sterling one would start with
    the copper as it has the highest melting point. If you do it
    otherwise you may have problems with poorly mixed alloy as some of
    the higher melting point materials may not have completely dissolved
    into solution by the time you pour the ingot. also with low melting
    point components like zinc you really do want to add them at the end
    so there is as little loss as possible due to vaporization of the
    metal. 

    With that said you need to take into consideration your method of
    melting. The above applies more to larger amounts of metal in a
    crucible furnace with a protective atmosphere covering the melt. 

    If you are alloying small amounts of metal and melting with a torch
    you may want to melt the silver first to reduce the amount of oxygen
    the copper picks up in the melting process but you will need to keep
    the alloy molten for a longer period of time than if you start with
    the  copper first just to make sure all the copper dissolves into
    the melt and is thoroughly in solution.

Jim Binnion

James Binnion Metal Arts
Phone (360) 756-6550
Toll Free (877) 408 7287
Fax (360) 756-2160
http://www.mokume-gane.com
jbin AT mokume-gane.com
Member of the Better Business Bureau

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