This is a continuation of the different choices we have for filler material to laser weld Sterling Silver.
30 gauge Plat Sterling - A Sterling alloy with 5% Platinum was the first alloy that welds perfect. It needs high power also but is predictable and can be pushed deep down into a joint. No Argon or pulse shaping is necessary. When Platinum which is somewhere around 48% reflective is added to Silver it lowers the reflective characteristics of Silver from 90% the highest of any metal to something weldable. Platinum is also a poor conductor of heat and cold. Some of this characteristic is transferred to the sterling. This seems to help impart the characteristic of not spattering. This means less porosity. The joints are very tarnish resistant and very flexible so they don't crack during sizing. The down side is it is very pricey for Sterling. I have seen it as high as $229.00 an Oz.
~Steve
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