This page is for
those individuals and organizations that would like to know more about
TIG welding precious metal. Two good in depth introductions to
this solution are available. The 2006 volume of the Santa Fe Symposium
includes a paper I wrote. It contains basic information about TIG and
how it can be applied to jewelry manufacturing. Also The Goldsmiths
Company in the UK has a paper by Hector Miller available in their
technical library. Hector is a master silversmith and his site has
examples of how he put TIG welding to use.
TIG has the ability for greater penetration of the weld.
Additionally, this process has far greater capacity to fill and build.
This is particularly an advantage in sizing a thick platinum ring, as
few as two passes can weld a 3mm thick shank.
Recently palladium alloys have become popular due to the metal's
natural whiteness and competitive cost. The problems related to
joining palladium successfully with traditional gas/oxy torch can be
overcome using TIG as the solution. The weld contains no brazing
filler (solder) so there is no detectable solder seam. It has
been my experience after repairing numerous cracked laser welds that
TIG is a far less sensitive method of fusing palladium. At the 2006
Santa Fe Symposium, a paper was delivered by Dr. Paolo Battaini that
shows his scanning electron microscope studies of a palladium gallium
alloy that give some insight to the differences between laser, TIG, and
traditional bonding of this material. The paper illustrates the
manufacturing of palladium gallium tubing, which uses TIG welding to
create a seamless product. In a final image the tubing is presented
under work-hardened condition with neither cracks nor material ruptures
present. In a section of the paper that deals with laser welding
palladium gallium alloy, an example of hot cracking due to excessive
thermal shrinkage strains is illustrated. Dr. Battaini emphasized the
need for appropriate welding parameters. Dr. Battaini studies of the
weld specimens from my technical paper had similar conclusions as the
tubing studies.
The equipment I use is common to TIG welding around the world. I have a
Miller Dynasty 200 DX, a Weldcraft WP-9 and WP- 50, and an Elga
Optimator regulator. Information about these products can be found
at
millerwelds.com.
I have found these tools capable of my required tasks. I enjoy
the various advantages that welding brings to jewelry
making and TIG gives me the control of the molten metal that is
necessary.