Does the soldering of findings in your jewelry production and/or repair processes demand expertise, a highly-skilled work force and a greater concern for safety, as working with new metals requires intense heat to form the bond? One answer to these challenges is fusion welding. Fusion welding is the permanent joining of a finding to a jewelry piece through the discharge of electricity instead of the traditional method of welding solder between these pieces. The bond formed is a welding of the two metals, resulting in a welded joint. The fusion process may be accomplished with large production welding machines, or with mini welders designed for the individual jeweler or custom-order manufacturers. The past four decades have proven the value of fusion welding to the jewelry trade: from initial applications in military insignias to emblematic products, to stainless steel pierced ear posts, and to the exciting developments in today's use of platinum and other precious metals. This paper will discuss the background of fusion welding and will include a technical overview of the process, operating tips and guidelines and highlight the key benefits this cost-saving process brings to the jewelry trade.

Author: John J. Alves, Jr.