Silver solder laser wire

Jewelry Discussion
1

I see one supplier has silver solder laser wire. Under what
circumstances would that be superior to sterling laser wire? Is this
strictly a temperature related thing because of silver’s higher
reflectivity?

Thanks

2 
I see one supplier has silver solder laser wire. Under what
circumstances would that be superior to sterling laser wire? Is
this strictly a temperature related thing because of silver's
higher reflectivity?

Especially with lasers that are a few years old, but also the lower
priced ones or others that don’t offer decent pulse shaping control,
silver can be quite difficult to weld properly. Sterling silver,
even when your laser can melt it and weld it, tends to sometimes give
cracked or brittle welds. Silver solder is much easier to melt, not
just because of the lower melting point, but also lower reflectivity
and lower thermal conductivity. So using silver solder as the laser
feed wire can produce a stronger joint with less stress on the
machine;s power supply and flash lamp too.

Peter

3

Mostly I use Argentium wire with the laser, but I occasionally find
that I need to back way off on the voltage with some pieces of
questionable nature, and just use the silver solder laser wire. It
is not my first choice, butit will get the job done on some of the
lower quality pieces.

4 
Anybody figured out silver and the laser?

While I won’t be courting silver welding I know its something I’ll
hafta deal with. I find challenges irresistible so I’ll get back to
you on that in a few months or years.

5

Good evening,

I use a silver/platinum laser wire available from Rio Grande. I love
it.

Larry Silva
Da Gama Designs