Yes, you can fuse 18k gold, but it is not recommended. While it is technically possible to attempt fusing with 18k gold, the process is significantly less successful and presents challenges compared to working with purer forms like 24k gold.
Understanding Gold Fusing
Fusing is a jewelry-making technique where two pieces of metal are joined directly using heat, causing their surfaces to melt and flow together without using solder. This creates a seamless and often stronger bond than soldering.
Why 18k Gold Fusing is Discouraged
As the reference states, "Fusing is most successful with 24k gold." 18k gold is an alloy, meaning it's a mixture of 75% pure gold and 25% other metals (like copper, silver, zinc, etc.). The presence of these other metals lowers the overall melting point and changes the way the metal behaves under high heat compared to pure gold.
- Inconsistency: The different melting points of the metals in the alloy can lead to uneven melting, porosity, or failure to properly fuse.
- Oxidation: The non-gold metals in the alloy can oxidize under heat, creating discoloration or a brittle bond.
- Difficulty: Achieving the precise temperature needed to melt the surface of 18k gold just enough for fusing, without completely melting the pieces or causing other issues related to the alloy components, is much harder than with pure gold.
The Risks Involved
The reference highlights a significant risk: "it's risky, because you have to use a propane torch to melt the metals." Working with high temperatures and melting metals always carries inherent risks, including:
- Burns and fire hazards.
- Damaging the metal piece if overheated.
- Producing toxic fumes depending on the alloy components.
Benefits of Fusing (Generally)
When successfully performed, fusing can offer benefits. The reference notes that "Fusing one metal to another does make a piece stronger" compared to soldering, as it creates a solid, continuous metal structure rather than a soldered joint. However, achieving this strength is much more difficult with alloys like 18k gold.
In summary, while you can attempt to fuse 18k gold, it's a challenging and often unsuccessful process due to its alloy nature. For reliable and strong fused joints, 24k gold or other metals designed for fusing are the preferred materials.
