Ultra thin silver and gold foil

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around sourcing ultra-thin silver and gold foil for various applications, including sputtering and sealing. Participants explore the definitions of "ultra-thin," share sourcing suggestions, and discuss methods for creating custom thicknesses from available materials.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant inquires about where to buy ultra-thin silver and gold foil squares, specifying dimensions of 7"x7" for gold/silver and up to 3'x6' for silver.
  • Another participant suggests contacting gold smelters in the USA for potential suppliers of foil.
  • A participant questions the units of measurement used for the foil dimensions, implying confusion over the term "ultra-thin."
  • Some participants argue that 0.024 inches is too thick to be considered foil, suggesting it is more akin to shim or sheet material.
  • One participant proposes buying drawn round wire and rolling it through jewelry rollers to achieve the desired thickness and width, citing cost-effectiveness.
  • Links to various Alibaba products are shared as potential sources for silver and gold materials.
  • A participant expresses interest in melting silver or gold and rolling it out, asking about the feasibility of using a specific torch for melting.
  • Another participant provides advice on melting techniques and suggests using a groove for pouring melted metal, followed by rolling it to achieve uniform dimensions.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the definition of "ultra-thin" in relation to the specified thickness. There are differing opinions on whether 0.024 inches qualifies as foil or shim material, and the discussion remains unresolved regarding the best methods for sourcing or creating the desired materials.

Contextual Notes

There are assumptions about the definitions of foil and shim that are not explicitly clarified. The discussion also reflects varying levels of expertise among participants regarding metalworking techniques and equipment.

rppearso
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does anyone know where to buy ultra thin (0.024" or less) large silver and gold foil squares (like 7"'x7" for gold/silver and up to 3'x6' for silver)?

Looking into large and small sputtering and sealing around a large surface area of metal and connecting the electrode outside the vacuum is easier than trying to lay out a bunch of small pieces and then trying to electrically connect them.
 
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rppearso said:
(like 7"'x7" for gold/silver and up to 3'x6' for silver)?
Exactly what units are those?
 
rppearso said:
ultra thin

Assuming (") means inches that is pretty thick foil. Where does the ultra thin come in?

BoB
 
Yes. 0.024 inch is not really foil, but a fairly thick shim or a sheet material.

If I needed shim, I would buy a commodity, in this case drawn round wire, then roll it through jewellery rollers to make the thickness and width material that I required for my task. That way I buy the material for the lowest price and can adjust my stock for optimum thickness as I operate the process.

https://www.alibaba.com/product-detail/silver-metal-99-99-foil-ribbon_60289383545.html
https://www.alibaba.com/product-detail/999-pure-silver-sheets-for-jewelry_60290250116.html
https://www.alibaba.com/product-detail/99-999-pure-Au-wire-gold_60310181784.html?s=p
https://www.alibaba.com/product-detail/High-quality-100-Metal-Leaf-Pure_60254960716.html?s=p
 
Baluncore said:
Yes. 0.024 inch is not really foil, but a fairly thick shim or a sheet material.

If I needed shim, I would buy a commodity, in this case drawn round wire, then roll it through jewellery rollers to make the thickness and width material that I required for my task. That way I buy the material for the lowest price and can adjust my stock for optimum thickness as I operate the process.

https://www.alibaba.com/product-detail/silver-metal-99-99-foil-ribbon_60289383545.html
https://www.alibaba.com/product-detail/999-pure-silver-sheets-for-jewelry_60290250116.html
https://www.alibaba.com/product-detail/99-999-pure-Au-wire-gold_60310181784.html?s=p
https://www.alibaba.com/product-detail/High-quality-100-Metal-Leaf-Pure_60254960716.html?s=p

That is a really good idea, where do you get a jewelry roller? Then I could just buy junk silver or gold and then melt it down and roll it out? can you melt silver with this - http://www.bethlehemburners.com/torches/alpha

then just pour it out over a surface and let it harden?
 
Last edited:
rppearso said:
That is a really good idea, where do you get a jewelry roller?
ebay search; Jewellery Rolling Mill. I get 290 listings. Most are only 3" or 4" wide.

rppearso said:
can you melt silver with this -
It depends on the gasses and the amount of heat you need. Reduce heat loss by using a small enclosed oven.

rppearso said:
then just pour it out over a surface and let it harden?
Spill the melt into a long groove, maybe cut in wood. Then when hard, roll it through the round profile section of the jewellery rollers to make a rod of uniform needed diameter. Then roll the rod between the flat rollers to make shim.

Edit:
also ebay search; jewellery furnace
 
Last edited:

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