"Plumb"
Platinum Solders
The
first solders that actually contain 90 to 95% platinum have completed
initial testing with rave reviews. These solders solve many of the problems
associated with previous platinum solders, such as porosity, unsightly
seams, poor color and a simple lack of platinum. The new “Plumb
Platinum” solders are available in 3 different flows, making platinum
work much more reliable than in the past. The 3 flows are 95%Pt=1550 and
the 92.5% Pt is 1475 and the 90% flows around 1400. Lower flows are under
development. Originally, when we first released the solder, platinum cost
was far lower at about $400 per ounce allowing us to sell at about $40 per
dwt. Initial cost is now $57.00 per dwt with no minimum order required. This
is based on $600 platinum market price. Call us for a precise quote.
These solders are now available ONLY from Precious Metals
West / Fine Gold, or our distributors. Anyone who would like to try the new
solders should contact Daniel Ballard at 800-99-PLAT or 800-999-7528.
Instructions For Use
How to use the Plumb Platinum
Solders-Patent Pending
This solder requires no flux.
We found this solder must not be used like one uses gold solder. By that
I mean that this solder is fairly viscous, unlike gold easy flow solders.
The new platinum solder stays close to the joint.
All reports of discoloration
have been related to heating the solder before the joint is soldered. Do
not heat this solder into a ball for use with a solder pick. Place the clipped
solder in or on the assembly joint. With sizing there is no problem as long
as you have enough tension in the joint to hold the slice of solder. One
important advantage to the new solder is the superior color match at the
lower flows. This allows one to melt the solder all the way through a shank
without fear of melting the ring shank itself.
The present available formulations
are as follows.
PT-E
is 90% Pt, and 10% alloy, and flows in the 1300C range-Our "easy flow" solder.
As the name implies this is our "easy flow" solder that is "plumb" (same
content as the intended jewelry) to all the 90%Pt/10% Ir or Ru or whatever.
Its color is closest to 90/10 of course.
PT-M
is 92.5% platinum. The way to increase the flow temperature was to increase
the platinum. This material flows in the 1400C range. This is our "medium flow" solder. Its color works
with any kind of platinum jewelry, but is only truly "plumb" to 90/10 jewelry.
PT-H
is 95% platinum. The highest flow among the new solders, it flows at
1500C or a bit less. We call it the "hard
flow" solder, despite the fact that its flow temperature is hundreds below
the flow of ordinary casting platinum. It is "plumb" or better to all platinum
jewelry. An ironic twist to this formula.. It may be a bit whiter than 90/10
jewelry. In certain items this can be an issue.
Easy, Medium, and Hard is one
way to look at the solders. Another is to simply go by the Pt content and
match whatever you are working on. That is ideal for color, and works fine
when you only need one flow to do a repair. This solder is the closest color
match simply due to matching the platinum content. . Scientific testing may
show that our flow temps are a bit off. The tests we find most valuable are
those performed by jewelers at their benches. After all, those are reality
based. Scientific tests have huge value, but can be misleading to apply at
the bench. Many theoretical advances in metallurgy have not worked as well
as indicated by the tests.
The
physical strength of this solder is very high. Like any solder the strength
depends on the quality of the surfaces and the technique used by the
jeweler. One will notice the solder sheets themselves are quite hard
and springy. That is because they get so work hardened during manufacture.
The solder will not "polish out" leaving
a seam. In rare instances, like when the newly soldered joint cools
very slowly, some "ridging" can be found. All of the flows indicated are
determined by comparison melts, not scientific analysis. However, time and
again real world testing has proved the validity of new products.
Plumb
solder works well on all common platinum alloys. That includes Iridium,
ruthenium, palladium, cobalt and copper. A possible exception may be
the new lower flow temperature platinum's such as Hoover & Strongs
S+. By the way just like plumb platinum solder, S+ is a trademark product.
Due to the low melt of these casting and fabricating metals, the usual
spread between the host platinum and our solder is reduced. By the way,
I want to point out that all high temp solders have a potential problem
with some platinum alloys-Simply based on the relatively low melt temperature.
©2007
Keith Weinstein Inc.
