QuestionHello, my question is I want to know the best way to recycle white gold scrap into sizing stock, wire, ect. but lately I have been having problems with it cracking as soon as I start rolling it out what can I do to keep it from cracking so bad? over heating it while melting it in crucible? I'm confused some times I have no problems and sometimes it just doesn't work.
AnswerHi, Sean.
Your problem with white gold scrap is a well-known problem among jewelers. At times, I had almost decided not to even try to reuse it unless the gold was relatively fresh and then problems would come up unexpectedly.
The problem is in cooling of the metal which is somewhat controllable by you. The problem is also the different white gold alloys you might be using together because some obey the cooling "rules of thumb" an other alloys do not. Also, with nickel white gold, melting and using over more than once(and only once if overheated in the melt) can mess up the relationship of alloy metals, including trace metals which might be added to improve particular characteristics of the alloy. In a nutshell, melting white gold scrap for rolling into stock is a true pain much of the time.
Heat the metal just to the point of all balling up into a shiny half ball with a surface looking like it is rolling. Throw on a pinch of flux and then pour the metal. The metal may crack if cooled too long or too quickly. Try to pour in dim light and the very instant the red is gone quench the metal. Cooler than that will almost certainly guarantee a cracked piece when rolling.
Follow the same quenching method as metal is annealed when needed during rolling.
Sean, it is a lot more trouble to do but casting the metal generally provides a better product. Use a wax form near the size you might want to make. Cast the scrap. Anneal the casting and form as needed. This is not perfect but does seem to provide better results overall.
Best wishes with the white gold. This can be tough.
God Bless and Peace. Thomas.
