[Studies on the proper processing of silver-palladium casting alloys]

The internal structure and the hardness of three silver-palladium alloys (Sipal 306, Spall WT 52, Bego Gold-EWL G) were investigated in the as-cast condition, after homogenization and after salt-bath hardening. From the results obtained it is concluded that the optimal processing conditions for Sipal 306 and Spall WT 52 are: homogenization at 850 degrees C for more than 2 hours, and hardening at 430--450 degrees C for 15 minutes. The hardness values thus obtained meet the requirements of the type IV indication of the FDI specification no. 7; however, the inhomogenous structure causes a lower resistance to tarnish.