Continuum™ sterling silver is by far the hardest sterling silver ever
developed by Stuller. It has over 95% precious metal content. It is
considered a European-friendly sterling silver, as it contains no nickel.
Invented and developed by Stuller with the intent to bring a value added
metal to jewelry market, this patent-pending sterling silver will
outperform other sterling silvers presently available on most of the
desired characteristics. Continuum has a much higher as-cast hardness
that allows setting of high quality stones in a sterling silver jewelry
product. The improved as-cast hardness and a much tighter grain size
allow a better finish that will last longer. It provides superior oxidizing
and tarnish resistance than other high tech sterling silver alloys. Its
potential reputation as the industry leader in temper and durability
alone could set it apart from the competition.
Continuum sterling silver’s mechanical properties fall between those of
14kt yellow gold and most other sterling silver alloys. It can be worked
at the bench with ease. Complex bezel setting and micro-pave set
stones can be set effortlessly in this new alloy. The high-end sterling
silver alloy can be used for casting, die striking and to produce mill
products. In addition, it is capable of exhibiting much needed reversible
hardness that can be used to make high quality earring clutch backs and
other jewelry components that require springiness.
Physical Properties:
Mechanical Properties:
Age Hardening:
Annealing:
Cold working considerations:
Investment Casting Recommendations:
Mold Material:
Enameling:
Approximate Flask Temperatures (Range/Guideline):
Approximate Melt Temperatures:
We usually recommend a superheat of 100°F to 150°F above the melting point of the alloy. Therefore the set temperature point in your casting machine should be:
Inert Gas Protective Cover:
When melting in casting equipment we recommend an inert gas, such as argon, be used as a protective cover.
developed by Stuller. It has over 95% precious metal content. It is
considered a European-friendly sterling silver, as it contains no nickel.
Invented and developed by Stuller with the intent to bring a value added
metal to jewelry market, this patent-pending sterling silver will
outperform other sterling silvers presently available on most of the
desired characteristics. Continuum has a much higher as-cast hardness
that allows setting of high quality stones in a sterling silver jewelry
product. The improved as-cast hardness and a much tighter grain size
allow a better finish that will last longer. It provides superior oxidizing
and tarnish resistance than other high tech sterling silver alloys. Its
potential reputation as the industry leader in temper and durability
alone could set it apart from the competition.
Continuum sterling silver’s mechanical properties fall between those of
14kt yellow gold and most other sterling silver alloys. It can be worked
at the bench with ease. Complex bezel setting and micro-pave set
stones can be set effortlessly in this new alloy. The high-end sterling
silver alloy can be used for casting, die striking and to produce mill
products. In addition, it is capable of exhibiting much needed reversible
hardness that can be used to make high quality earring clutch backs and
other jewelry components that require springiness.
Physical Properties:
- Color: Grade 1 white
- Density: 10.42 g/cc
- Melt Range: 1680°F - 1730°F
Mechanical Properties:
- As Cast Hardness: 97 HV - 117 HV (more than 1/3 harder than regular sterling silver)
- Annealed Hardness: 75 HV
- Age Hardened: 150 HV
- Ultimate Tensile Strength: 35,000 psi
- Yield Strength: 17,000 psi
- Elongation after annealing: 35%
- Elongation after age-hardening:30%
Age Hardening:
- 1450°F for 45 minutes followed by immediate quench in water.
- 800°F for 45 minutes followed by either air cool or water quench.
Annealing:
- 1275°F for 30 minutes followed by immediate quench in water.
Cold working considerations:
- Can be worked much like typical sterling silver.
- Anneal as-cast ingots prior to cold working.
- Maximum recommended total reduction during cold working is 60%.
Investment Casting Recommendations:
- Similar to that of any other sterling silver.
Mold Material:
- Typical calcium sulfate (gypsum) bonded investment can be used.
Enameling:
- Can be enameled by traditional high temperature fired enamel.
Approximate Flask Temperatures (Range/Guideline):
- Filigree: 1150 - 1200°F 620 - 650°C
- Light: 1100 - 1150°F 595 - 620°C
- Medium: 900 - 1000°F 480 - 535°C
- Heavy: 850 - 925°F 455 - 500°C
Approximate Melt Temperatures:
We usually recommend a superheat of 100°F to 150°F above the melting point of the alloy. Therefore the set temperature point in your casting machine should be:
- Light: 1890°F 1030°C
- Medium: 1850°F 1010°C
- Heavy: 1830°F 1000°C
Inert Gas Protective Cover:
When melting in casting equipment we recommend an inert gas, such as argon, be used as a protective cover.