[Jewelry making - Article 00333] - Re: [Orchid] Granulation without a backsheet

[Nancy]

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    I tried the thin mica sheet used in enameling. It swells up when
    torched and the granulation overheats. There is an alternative that
    works. William Haendel, in his 1961 paper on granulation, observed
    that granulation designs were pre-fabricated. Although he could only
    speculate about the granulation techniques he studied in museums
    pieces, in his own granulation work he used steel sheet. I can
    confirm that fine silver granules, plated with copper, will "eutectic
    solder" together on steel sheet. When cooled, the granule design as a
    unit will release from the steel sheet. Without adding more copper,
    the "pre-fabricated" granule unit will "eutectic solder" to fine
    silver sheet (using a torch, not a kiln). You do not pre-heat the
    fine silver sheet. You only heat the granules until you see a flash.

    I think using (non-galvanized) steel sheet not only works as a heat
    sink to prevent the granules from collapse, but also makes a more
    efficient use of the copper. Only a small amount of copper is left by
    the time the granule unit is placed on the fine silver sheet (using
    only glue and flux), and, after "eutectic soldering" this second
    time, all of the copper is absorbed. 

    I have not tried gold/copper granulation on steel sheet but I believe
    Haendel has. The exciting part for me is that Argentium sterling
    granules can be pre-fabricated on steel sheet just by fusing (no
    copper added). By pre-fabricating designs, it is easier to fuse
    granules to a vertical or curved surface without risk of granules
    drifting out of place. The pre-fabricated units are not structurally
    sound until fused (or granulated) ontoa back piece. You can bend them
    to fit up to a point. I have just completed an 18-gauge fused
    Argentium sterling bangle bracelet with pre-fabricated fused
    Argentium granules. A photo of it is

    http://www.psi-design.com/granbangle.jpg 

    Hope this helps. 

Nancy
www.psi-design.com
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