However, it has a high volatility
and toxic fumes are given off from the melt during melting or soldering. Many
countries are now legislating against the use of cadmium in gold alloys
and solders and alternative non-cadmium alloys have been developed and are finding
increasing application.
Cadmium/Cadmium Solder
A low melting
metal traditionally used for alloying with gold to produce the ‘green’ shades
and, more importantly, to produce carat gold solders
for jewellery manufacture. It lowers the melting range and confers good fluidity
to the molten solder.