Bryce Bytheway
Permanent Jewelry Welding Expert
Nothing can be more scary than placing your permanent jewelry welder's electrode to a jump ring and not knowing what will happen. Will it explode? Will it be spot on? Or will it do nothing?
The following chart will take much of the guessing out of your daily welding. Simply find the gauge you're working with, the type of metal, and the permanent jewelry welder you're using. Remember: Always start at a lower power setting when in doubt.
Always use argon. Your customers will appreciate a stronger and cleaner weld. The recommended numbers are provided assuming you are abiding by best practices and using argon in your welding process.
| WELDER & SETTINGS (in Joules) | ||||
JUMP RING SIZE & MATERIAL |
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| Zapp™ | Zapp Plus™ | Orion mPulse™ | Orion PJ™ | |
| 16 Gauge Gold Fill | Max Power Multiple Welds |
25-30 | 25-30 | Max Power Multiple Welds |
| 16 Gauge 14K Yellow Gold | Max Power Multiple Welds |
25-30 | 25-30 | Max Power Multiple Welds |
| 16 Gauge Sterling Silver | Max Power Multiple Welds |
25-30 | 25-30 | Max Power Multiple Welds |
| 18 Gauge Gold Fill | Max Power Multiple Welds |
20-25 | 20-25 | Max Power Multiple Welds |
| 18 Gauge 14K Yellow Gold | Max Power Multiple Welds |
20-25 | 20-25 | Max Power Multiple Welds |
| 18 Gauge Sterling Silver | Max Power Multiple Welds |
20-25 | 20-25 | Max Power Multiple Welds |
| 20 Gauge Gold Fill | Max Power Multiple Welds |
11-14 | 11-15 | 11.5 |
| 20 Gauge Sterling Silver | Max Power Multiple Welds |
11-14 | 11-15 | 11.5 |
| 21 Gauge Gold Fill | 8-10 | 8-10 | 8-10 | 9.5-12 |
| 21 Gauge Sterling Silver | 8-10 | 8-10 | 8-10 | 9.5-12 |
| 22 Gauge Gold Fill | 6-8 | 7-9 | 8-10 | 8-10 |
| 22 Gauge 14K Yellow Gold | 6-7 | 6-8 | 6-8 | 7.5 |
| 24 Gauge Sterling Silver | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| 24 Gauge 14K Yellow Gold | 4 | 4 | 4 | 3 |
| 24 Gauge 14K White Gold | 4 | 4 | 4 | 3 |
| 26 Gauge 14K Yellow Gold | 3 | 3 | 3 | 2.5 |
| 28 Gauge Sterling Silver | 3* | 2 | 3* | 1.5 |
*You may see over melting
Of course, several factors may change what you find to be your optimal settings, but these are good numbers to start with. If you ever have questions, please call or text our customer service team at +1 801-658-0015 for help.
Another great resource for improving your welding skills is to attend the Permanent Jewelry Expo or Microweld.
Dana Ho, with Stones & Findings, created a similar chart, Optimal Power Settings for Micro Welding.