I took a look at the MSDS that was mentioned and I did indeed find some interesting facts. I'm not sure what "auto-ignition temp." means, but it's 2200F for titanium in air. Does anyone know the significance of this?
It means if heated to 2200F in air it will ignite. I am not certain
how they test this but there it is.
Also listed is "Extinguishing media", which is either table salt or a type D extinguisher. If I read this right, a can of Morton's nearby might suffice should an unlikely ignition occur. Am I missing something?
The type D fire extinguisher creates a glass like coating over the
burning metal. Salt will do the same thing.
This really is a fairly thick screen with no exposed points or extra-vulnerable components. I may even smooth and polish the section I use most. I'm sweat-soldering heavier silver pieces, starting with extra-easy solder (so it would be closer in temp. to easy solder during the final remelting step). I have to keep the torch moving up and down and all around anyway, so concentrations on any particular spot would be brief.
The flame temperature is much greater than 2200F, titanium has poor
thermal conductivity so it holds the heat in it much easier than the
sliver or gold. By heating a large area of the screen if you do get
it ignited the chances are a lot of it will burn as it is already
quite hot.
If I really am putting myself in significant jeopardy, I will stop of course. But if I can mitigate the risk I'd like to continue using it. I'd be willing to cut off a little of it to test heat, if I could do it safely, and if it would be an accurate predictor of what would happen heating the much larger screen.
The thing is I don’t know for sure how much danger there really is.
I am just trying to bring the possibility to your attention.
James Binnion
@James_Binnion
James Binnion Metal Arts
360-756-6550