Casting platinum jewellery alloys: the effects of casting variables on fill and porosity
Journal Article
2005
Permanent link to this Item
Authors
Journal Title
Platinum Metals Review
Link to Journal
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Publisher
University of Cape Town
Department
License
Series
Abstract
Comparisons are made between platinum-copper and platinum-ruthenium alloys used for
jewellery to evaluate the effects of casting variables. The effects of flask temperatures,
investments, and centrifugal speeds on microstructure, percentage fill, and porosity were
examined over a range of temperatures. Optimum conditions and materials for successful
casting of high quality platinum jewellery alloys, using a Hot Platinum induction melting and
casting machine, are described. Suitable choice of investment materials and rotational speeds
produced good grid fills with Pt-5%Cu and Pt-5%Ru alloys. Metal porosity was more difficult
to control, due to the inherently chaotic nature of the casting process, but casting into a relatively
cool mould minimised the probability of bad porosity for both alloys. Pt-5%Ru was found to
be successful as a casting alloy when used with induction melting technology. It displayed
superior uniformity, hardness and colour, compared with cast Pt-5%Cu alloy.
Description
Reference:
Miller, D., Keraan, T., Park-Ross, P., Husemeyer, V., Brey, A., Khan, I., & Lang, C. (2005). Casting platinum jewellery alloys. Platinum Metals Review, 49(4), 174-182.