Can Potentially A Tungsten Band Be Resized?
Posted on
July 27th, 2010 by
Advisor
What is tungsten carbide? Tungsten is an element that is fused with other materials to become the alloy tungsten carbide. The addition of other metals makes the tungsten carbide harder and more scratch resistant than tungsten alone. This alloy process is similar to the process that iron goes through to become steel. Tungsten carbide has been used in mechanical and industrial applications for many years, and recently has found new life as the longest lasting jewelry material known to man. Manufacturing: Tungsten is ground into a powder and mixed with other metals such as; niobium, tantalum, titanium, chromium, and nickel. The metals are then fused together in an oxygen free furnace, within a die-cast, at over 6,000 degrees Fahrenheit. Interestingly enough, the tungsten itself never melts and mixes with the other metals. Since tungsten has such an extremely high melting point, it can only be heated high enough to “sinter”, or adhere and bond to, the other metals. The nickel within the mixture is referred to as the “binder”, as it assists with the bonding process. Within mechanical and industrial applications, the binder for tungsten carbide is cobalt, but this is not used by reputable tungsten ring sizing manufacturers as it causes oxidation.
Cobalt is a common additive for many metal alloys, and there are plenty of manufacturer’s that try to cut corners by adding it to tungsten jewelry. In this case, that’s an extremely bad thing. If there’s any cobalt in the ring your skin will develop this greenish rash that will be very unsightly and really uncomfortable. That’s because cobalt will react with the oils in your skin. If the manufacturer isn’t upfront about their cobalt policy, hit the road and get yourself to someplace better at once! 3. Nickel or Not? Nickel is another common additive that people like to bring to the mix in order to reduce cost. Nickel isn’t nearly as bad as cobalt – it won’t react with your skin at all. However, it does weaken the tungsten a bit, meaning that your indestructible tungsten rings sizing really isn’t so tough any more. Will it hold up to most stresses? Most likely yes. It is a risk I’d take when purchasing an item known for its lifelong endurance? Definitely not. 4. Know Your Ring Size.
Because they’re so tough, tungsten bands sizing are pretty impossible to resize in the same way that gold or silver jewelry is. Most websites and vendors will allow you to trade in your ring for a new one if your finger size changes, or if you guessed your partners’ size wrong, but don’t assume that this is the case. In addition, there’s generally a charge involved in getting a new one of the right size. Knowing your ring size before you go will save you a lot of grief. 5. It’s Pretty, But is it Permanent? I tend to approach tungsten jewelry the same way that I’d approach a tattoo. Sure it may look good now, but is it something that I’d be happy with for the rest of my life? One of the strongest selling points of tungsten rings is its longevity. Don’t let some smooth talking salesperson talk you into a purchase you’re not 100% on board with. Let the Buyer Beware. Tungsten rings are known for their longevity, resistance to scratching, and near-indestructible shine. With the right set of knowledge, you can make sure that you’re well prepared to make a high quality purchase that will last you a lifetime.
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July 28th, 2010 at 9:33 am
Thank you tell me a lot of things.