Laser vs. The Old Torch
Traditional soldering requires a torch, flux, pickle acid, and polishing. It's messy and hot. Worst of all, you have to remove heat-sensitive stones (emeralds, pearls, opals) before heating the ring.
đ„ Traditional Torch
- â Must remove stones (Risk of breaking).
- â Large heat zone (Burns surrounding area).
- â Takes 20-30 mins per ring.
- â Cannot weld Titanium easily.
⥠Desktop Laser
- â Safe for Stones: Hold the ring in your hand.
- â Pinpoint (0.1mm) accuracy.
- â Takes 2 mins per ring.
- â Welds Platinum & Titanium instantly.
The "15-Day Payback" Math
European laser welders (like Orion or Dado) used to cost $5,000 - $8,000. That's a huge investment. But Chinese YAG Desktop Welders have changed the game.
- Machine Cost (100W Model)-$1,500
- Charge per Ring Resize+$50
- Repairs per Day2 repairs
- Days to Break Even15 Days
Choosing Power: 60W vs 200W?
Unlike the big handheld welders (1500W), jewelry lasers use YAG pulses.
- 60W - 80W (Gold Specialist): Perfect for gold, platinum, and stainless steel. Small, compact, fits on a crowded bench.
- 150W - 200W (Silver Master): If you do a lot of Silver, get 200W. Silver is highly reflective (like a mirror), so you need the extra punch to get a good weld without cranking the voltage too high.