It is well documented how silicon additions can influence the properties of carat gold casting alloys, improving fluidity and surface finish. Increased additions can however lead to brittle failures in castings. There are low carat casting alloys commercially available that contain additions of up to 0.5% silicon, the benefits of which are increased scrap recycling rates. However, a higher incidence of casting failures can result. This study will investigate the effect of quench temperature on a 9ct yellow casting alloy with various silicon additions and will determine if this is related to failures typically seen. The optimum use for low carat high silicon alloys will also be discussed.

Author: Stewart Grice