Industrial processes explained: Silver solder
Silver solder is a very important material in the jewellery industry as well as several other applications. Many people often confuse it with the similar (but crucially different) processes of soft soldering and brazing. It is important to know the differences between the different types of soldering so here is an outline of what you need to remember:
Soldering is the bonding of two metals together by melting a filler metal in between them and allowing it to dry. This differs from welding as neither of the pieces which are joined is melted. It can be done using a number of materials, one of which is silver, as long as the solder has a lower melting point than the metal pieces which are to be joined. Silver solder, as used by jewellers, machinists and occasionally by plumbers, is one of them. Soft soldering is done using a filler metal which has a melting point up to 400°C (752°F). This is often done using tin-lead alloys, whereas silver solder (which contains a mixture of silver and other materials such as zinc or copper) is melts at a much higher temperature. Consequently it requires the use of a torch or other high temperature source but is also much stronger. Brazing is the use of brass as a filler and requires the highest temperature of all as well as protective goggles due to the level of light emitted during the process, but it is very strong and can be used for load bearing joints. The application of silver solder is often colloquially referred to as brazing although technically this is incorrect.
Tips for buying silver solder
There are shops on the high street which will sell silver solder, mainly the larger home improvement stores, but these can often charge a premium. Therefore you are better off locating a specialist supplier online. One name you can trust can be found at Billshorthousemetals.co.uk. The firm is a leading supplier of high quality metals and other materials so visit the company website today for more information or to place an order.
Looking for Silver Solder? billshorthousemetals.co.uk is a leading supplier of high quality metals and other materials; Visit us today for more information!