Laser machines for jewelry are compact, low-powered and at the highest level of safety. They weld most alloys quickly, repeatably and precisely, but efficiency depends very much on the properties of the target material. The effective energy depends on the surface absorbtion of the target and is controlled by adjusting pulse intensity, duration and pulse frequency. Parameters for welding a range of jewelry alloys, including latent heats of melting and corresponding thermal diffusivities, are calculated. Despite the high specific energy needed to melt platinum alloys, their relatively low thermal diffusivity concentrates the heat at the target and they can be welded very efficiently. The precision of laser welding allows some special principles to be applied to jewelry design; typical results are shown. Laser machines are also cost-effective in upgrading jewelry components, particularly castings.

Author: Dr. John C. Wright