HOME FAQs BOOKS JOBS: Help Wanted Suggestions you are here: Hotline/Forum => Letter 037
Albaloy, Miralloy, Optalloy copper/tin/zinc alloy plating
-----
I'm looking for information on a copper/tin/zinc alloy process marketed under a variety of names including Albaloy, Miralloy, Optalloy. I worked with the process some years ago and have contacted a couple of vendors for updated information, but it seems little has actually ever been published. I think the process dates to the 1940's. what I am really after is real-world experience pertaining to this alloy. Bath makeup, maintenance, and life cycle would be appreciated. Also desired is information on deposit properties such as solderability, shelf-life, corrosion resistance, and electrical properties. Finally, are there any non-destructive thickness methods available (can you do XRF on the deposit)? Thanks
|
Bill Vins microwave & cable assemblies Mesa (what a place-a), Arizona |
I need some information about Optalloy, that includes formulation and characteristics.
hassan karami
tarbiat modarres university - tehran, tehran, iran
There is renewed interest in this these days because of the need to eliminate nickel plating from jewelry. While some of those older trade names may still be in use, it is usually called "white bronze" plating these days. It is in wide use in many countries, perhaps less so in the USA because we do not have a ban on nickel in jewelry as many other countries do. I heard a good presentation about it recently by Uyemura.
Ted Mooney, P.E.
finishing.com
Brick, New Jersey
April 12, 2011
Help! I teach jewelry making in a public high school and the cost of sterling is becoming prohibitive. I am exploring "white bronze" (yes, I know it is not technically accurate) as a way to provide a white metal alternative to Sterling that does not cause skin and discoloration problems.
I realize that white bronze is know also as Miralloy and several other names, mainly related to plating processes. Is this metal available in sheet and wire?
I have 28 students currently enrolled in jewelry making, it is very frustrating that the costs of sterling are restricting them to pieces that can not be worn....we have been working mainly in copper.
Any help or suggestions are very appreciated! Regards, Mary
public school education - Houston, Texas, USA
April 14, 2011
Try nickel silver or monel metal, or even pewter. White bronze can be plated from cyanide and cyanide-free baths.
Imitation chrome plating can be good option too: 20 gms cobalt sulphate/10 gms zinc sulphate/50 gms citric acid/1 lit water-according to USA patent USPT 4,299,671.Hope it helps and good luck!
Goran Budija- Zagreb, Croatia