Laser Welding with Steve Satow

Laser Welding Sterling Silver 4

This is a continuation of the different choices we have for filler material to laser weld Sterling Silver.

30 gauge Medium Sterling Solder Wire - It welds nice at lower settings than all the other wires. It fills sizing joints easily and isn't brittle when used for sizing. The down side is its only 60% silver so it tarnishes. When we do a standard V joint it will show a lot after it tarnishes.
  ~Steve

Laser Welding Sterling Silver 3

This is a continuation of the different choices we have for filler material to laser weld Sterling Silver.

30 gauge Argentium Sterling - It welds nice at high power. The welds look nice, very little porosity. Then when you round up a sizing they break. You need Argon and pulse shaping to size with this wire and not have a brittle joint. So it's not an option for many lasers.
  ~Steve

Laser Welding Sterling Silver 2

This is a continuation of the different choices we have for filler material to laser weld Sterling Silver.

30 gauge Sterling Wire - The 7.5% copper added to make it sterling is almost as hard to laser weld as pure silver. It is just slightly easier to weld than pure silver. The joints are often filled with porosity even when Argon is used. A magic marker is needed between each shot to help initiate the melt. The joints are usually pliable enough to use for sizing.
  ~Steve

Laser Welding Sterling Silver

Over the next few weeks we will take a look at the different choices we have for filler material to laser weld Sterling Silver.

30 gauge Pure Silver - It takes all the power most lasers have to weld. A magic marker is usually needed for every shot to help initiate the melt. The joints are very pliable and not brittle after being worked. It polishes out of a sizing joint like low carat solder because it is so soft it is not a good choice for sizing.
  ~Steve

 

Silver Hollowware Repair

Check out this article on Silver Hollowware Repair using a Laser

http://laserweldingjewelry.com/articles/lasersilverhollowwarerepairs/laserweldedtrayhandlerepair/trayhandlerepair.html

Silver Hollowware Repair,Laser Welding,Bench Jeweler

Braclet Repair

Check out this article on jewelry repair using a laser:

http://laserweldingjewelry.com/articles/laserjewelryrepairs/laserbraceletextension/braceletextensions.html

Jewelry Repair,Laser Welding,bench Jeweler

Laser Welding is an Art

Remember: Laser welding is as much an Art form as it is a Science.  Create you own style, experiment, adapt, and learn from you successes as well as your failures-and build upon them.  Experience is an asset, but experience is something you don’t get until after you need it!

Laser Welding Jewelry,Laser Jewelry Repairs

Protect Stones

Plasti-tak can be used to protect stones and finishes.  You can find it in your office supply or hobby shop.

Laser Welding Jewelry,Laser Jewelry Repairs

Protect Sensitive Areas

Use a highly polished sterling silver protective template to shield sensitive areas when laser welding.

Laser Welding Jewelry,Laser Jewelry Repairs

Laser Welding: Laser Fabrication Diamond Pendant

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Laser Welding,Jewelry Fabrication,Jewelers Tools