How Nitrogen Generators Improve the Jewelry Making Process

How Nitrogen Generators Improve the Jewelry Making Process

Jewelry manufacturers practice soldering in nearly every aspect of their craft, from forming bases for their pieces to adding delicate, gorgeous detail for the final product. However, this process can be hindered by the presence of oxygen in the environment, leading to damage and corrosion of the metal involved. To reduce this risk, many jewelers are including nitrogen generators in their manufacturing process to create a barrier between the metal and the environment.

What Is Soldering?

Soldering is fusing two metals together with the application of heat. This heat source usually comes from a blow torch or other industrial device. During the soldering process, the manufacturer melts the metal objects and joins them together. A filler metal with a relatively low melting point fills the joint where the objects meet, forming a permanent connection when the metal cools.
Soldering is a delicate and dangerous process. However, it is an essential component in a wide variety of industries: welding, plumbing, electronics, and jewelry manufacturing. Jewelers especially use this process in their craft to form their artwork. Unlike soldering pipes, the soldering process in jewelry making requires a light touch for this intricate artwork, as the jewelers have to work with very delicate materials.
A major risk in the jewelry soldering process is the presence of oxygen in the environment. When soldering is done in an oxygen-rich environment, the metals can corrode and the bonds become less effective. As a result, the jewelry can fall apart.

Nitrogen Generation and Jewelry Manufacturing

A simple solution to reducing the risk of oxygen corrosion in jewelry manufacturing is to displace the oxygen-rich air using nitrogen. During this process, jewelry makers can use a nitrogen generator, such as those supplied by On Site Gas, to store the gas for use during the soldering process. These nitrogen generators separate nitrogen from other elements in the air, storing the gas in tanks for later use.
Simply put, nitrogen displaces oxygen in the air. When it’s time to solder material, the jeweler flushes the environment with nitrogen gas. This creates a barrier between the metal and the oxygen in the air, reducing the effect of oxidation. Since nitrogen is non-combustible, working with high-heat materials during the soldering process is completely safe.

On Site Gas Solutions

On Site Gas offers a variety of on site nitrogen generators to benefit jewelry manufacturers during the soldering process. These machines are designed for fine selective soldering applications that offer the most benefit to the jewelry-making process.

  • PSA Nitrogen Generators separate nitrogen molecules from oxygen in ordinary air, storing nitrogen in tanks for later use.
  • Nitrogen Membrane Generators are customized to your unique specifications, arriving turnkey and ready to support your business. Pressurized air flows into the machine and a membrane separates nitrogen from other elements in the air. As a result, very dry nitrogen gas is collected.

If you’re looking for on site nitrogen generators to boost your jewelry business, contact On Site Gas today. We offer top-rate nitrogen and oxygen generation to clients throughout the United States and in over 100 countries.