Silver Solder > News > Supplies of Cadmium Bearing Silver Solders Continue

Supplies of Cadmium Bearing Silver Solders Continue

Posted on Tuesday, 20 January 2009 11:33AM by Keith

After 17 months, in May 2010, we still know of no european manufacturer about to cease production of cadmium bearing silver solders.

These alloys will continue to be available from CuP Alloys irrespective of some companies declaring that they are to cease supplying such materials including the popular, easy flowing, 42% silver, cadmium bearing silver solder. This alloy is widely used by the model engineer because it flows well, is easy to use and produces small neat fillets. It has the excellent joint penetration characteristics that satisfies the new legislation relating to locomotive boiler construction.

Cadmium free alternatives simply do not perform the same. The removal of cadmium reduces fluidity (they don't flow as well) and increases the melting temperature. However this increase is an advantage when the model engineer wishes to produce joints that are to be subsequently re-heated, e.g. when making subsequent joints in close proximity. To reduce the brazing temperature of cadmium free alloys requires the addition of more silver = higher prices.

In Australia, where cadmium bearing alloys are now not so readily available, there are serious concerns re the integrity of joints due to lack of joint penetration. Despite the fact that there are other reasons for poor joint quality, in April 2008, The Australian Association of Live Steamers issued a technical note headed -

"WARNING TO THOSE USING THE CADMIUM FREE SILVER SOLDER.
The "NEW" cadmium free silver solder is not to be used for joining fittings on miniature boilers"

The decision to withdraw cadmium bearing silver solders has apparently been based on Health & Safety grounds. Concern has been expressed that distributors may not be showing "due duty of care" by not informing the model engineer of the perceived risks of using this alloy, and not labelling the product accordingly - all as required by HSE and EU legislation.

This perceived risk has been known to manufacturers and the trade for over 35 years yet only now has it been decided that the model engineer is at risk. If the product is unsafe, why has it not simply been recalled and supplies stopped - not simply phased out?

We at CuP Alloys take our responsibilities seriously, so we will continue to do what we have been doing for years.
We will continue to supply our easy flowing, 842 low melting point, cadmium bearing alloy with instructions on how to use it safely, with all the required Health & Safety data and a Certificate of Conformity with every pack.
It costs a little money but, as the leading supplier of silver solder to the model engineer, we reckon it's worth it.

But if you want cadmium free alloys, just ask. They are readily available. The choice is yours.

Latest news
Supplies of Cadmium Bearing Silver Solders Continue Tue 20/01/2009 After 17 months, in May 2010, we still know of no european manufacturer about to cease production of cadmium bearing silver solders. These alloys...