superior attributes
A UNIQUE COMBINATION OF SUPERIOR ATTRIBUTES MAKES ARGENTIUM THE FINEST SILVER IN THE WORLD . . .
The brightest precious metal
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Purer than traditional sterling silver
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Greater hardness and durability
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Superior tarnish resistance
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Superior firestain resistance
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Excellent versatility
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Responsible silver
Which alloy is right for you?
which alloy
ARGENTIUM
960 PRO
ARGENTIUM
935 PRO
ARGENTIUM
960-PURE
ARGENTIUM
ORIGINAL (935)
Casting - all casting requirements
Casting - all luxury casting requirements
Casting - small scale
Casting - luxury small scale
Sheet, wire and tubing production
Chain production
Beads qnd findings (cast products)
Beads and findings (wrought products)
Luxury watch cases
Flute tube production
Spinning, raising and forming
Stamping
Engraving and machining
Makume and Keum Boo
Wire wrapping
Fusing and welding
Granulation
argentium-which-alloy.pdf
DOWNLOAD
Click on the icon to download further information . . .
Four things to remember
four things to remember
Argentium silver has different working properties in comparison to traditional sterling silver. Here are four important factors to remember. . .
ADVICE
Argentium silver glows a paler colour than traditional sterling when at red heat.
Be careful not to overheat the silver. Working in a shaded area makes it easier to see the correct annealing and soldering temperatures.
Argentium cools slower than traditional sterling.
Quenching too quickly can cause Argentium to crack. Just wait until the red-heat has disappeared before quenching.
Avoid contaminating the surface of Argentium silver with other metals during polishing processes.
Cross-contamination can cause surface discolouration. Use separate mops/wheels/felts for Argentium silver or thoroughly clean polishing equipment before use.
Avoid using deionised water for rinsing.
Deionised water is highly reactive - this can effect Argentium’s protective germanium oxide layer and may cause discolouration.
Finishing
Rinsing
(No DI water)
PROCESS
Heating
Cooling
high volume production
licensed manufacturer of Argentium silver grain.
Contact LEGOR GROUP SRLfor Argentium user and safety data sheets.
safety declaration
FAQs
Q. Does Argentium silver contain nickel?
Argentium silver does not contain nickel.
Q. Is Argentium Silver safe for articles that come into contact with food?
Yes, Argentium Silver is certified to the following proposed European Standard: pr EN ISO 8442-7 "Materials and Articles in Contact with Foodstuffs - Cutlery & Table Holloware - part 7".
Q. How safe is the element germanium?
Please download safety declaration document below.
DOWNLOAD
Argentium-Safety-Declaration.pdf
faq
Q1. Castings have not completely filled - how can this problem be solved?
A. The metal pour temperature or mould/flask may have been too cold. Please go touser guide for correct temperatures.
Q3. What can cause imperfections in Argentium castings?
A. Silicon carbide crucibles can contaminate the melt and cause imperfections in the cast alloy. It is recommended to use clay graphite or pure graphite crucibles.
A. Investment powder residues from recycled material will cause contamination - it is important to thoroughly clean recycled material before use.
A. Use separate crucibles for Argentium silver to prevent cross-contamination with other metals/alloys.
DEGREASING & FINISHING
Q1. Why has Argentium silver discoloured after a short period of time?
A. Cross-contamination of the Argentium surface with other metals from polishing processes can cause discolouration. Either use separate mops / polishing wheels or thoroughly clean them before use.
A. Discolouration can be caused by rinsing Argentium in deionised water - this is very reactive and can harm Argentium's protective germanium oxide layer.
A. Some degreasing agents can cause discolouration where:
a film is left on the surface of the silver, which discolours with time.
the degreasing agent is not effective at removing deposits from the silver, which discolour with time.
Q2. Can you recommend a degreasing agent for small workshops?
A. Dishwashing detergents can be recommended (e.g. Joy), diluted with tap water at approximately 0.5 : 100 and heated to approximately 50-54°C/122-130°F, used in an ultrasonic cleaning tank. Immerse for aproximately 1-2 minutes.
Q3. Will finishing process remove the germanium oxide protective surface?
A. The protective germanium oxide is able to replenish itself through the migration of germanium atoms to the surface.
Q.4. Do I have to heat my Argentium silver to activate tarnish resistance?
A. Although the protective germanium oxide surface layer develops naturally at ambient temperature, it is beneficial to heat Argentium to promote the formation of the germanium oxide. Surface passivation is carried out by a simple heat treatment in an oven or furnace at 100°C/212°F for 2-3 hours.
Q3. Do Argentium silver articles benefit from a wipe with a silver cloth?
A. Some silver cloths are impregnated with thiols - compounds that form a strong chemical bond with Argentium silver and help to give the surface extra protection from everyday pollutants, finger-marks and water-marks. Goddard's Longterm Silver Cloths and Tiffany & Co. polishing mitts are recommended.
ANNEALING & SOLDERING
Q1. Are there differences in annealing Argentium silver in comparison to traditional sterling?
A. Argentium silver glows a paler red colour at annealing and soldering temperatures, in comparison to traditional sterling silver. To prevent overheating it is recommended to carry out annealing and soldering operations in a shaded area, making it easier to see the pale red colour. Recommended furnace annealing temp. = 1100°F/595°C
Q2. How can sagging be prevented in Argentium Original sheet during high temperature heating?
A. Sagging can be prevented by an initial low temperature anneal. Make sure the sheet is well supported and heat evenly with a large flame to a pale red annealing temperature, then air-cool to room temperature.
Tip - Use lower temperature solders whenever possible.
Q3. Why has my Argentium silver cracked after quenching?
A. Argentium cools slower than traditional sterling after heating operations. It is important to wait until any red heat has disappeared before quenching.
Q4. Argentium cracked when I moved it during soldering - how can this be prevented?
A. It is important not to move or manipulate Argentium at red-hot temperatures as the silver may crack. Simply make sure that your piece is well supported during soldering and annealing and wait for any red heat to disappear before touching your piece.
Q5. Do you need to apply flux to the whole piece of work during soldering applications?
A. No, it is only necessary to apply flux to the solder seam.
Q6. What fluxes are suitable?
A. Our customers recommend MY-T-FLUX (supplied by Rio Grande), Prip's flux and Battern's flux.
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CASTING
