Number
285-EN
Section
General Section
Use
Sector
Manufacture of fabricated metal products, except machinery and equipment
General manufacturing, e.g. machinery, equipment, vehicles, other transport equipment
Function
Other
Process
Manual activities involving hand contact
Product category
Welding and soldering products, flux products
Application
Substituting Borax
Abstract
One of Denmark’s largest manufactures of gold jewellery has successfully substituted the use of Borax for gem stone protection in most precision welding processes. For precision welding on items with gem stones already incorporated, cabinet laser welding is most often applied.
Substituted substances
Borax
CAS No. 1330-43-4 EC No. 215-540-4 Index No. 005-011-00-4
Chemical group
Borates, metaborates, tetraborates, peroxyborates
Classification: hazard statements
H360FD May damage fertility. May damage the unborn child
Reliability of information
Evidence of implementation: there is evidence that the solution was implemented and in use at time of publication
Reason substitution
other toxic effects
Other type of alternative
Cabinet laser welding
Hazard Assessment
Substance to be substituted: Borax is a Substance of very high concern and is included on the REACH candidate list for authorization, according to Article 59 of Regulation (EG) No. 1907/2006. (REACH Regulation). Alternative substance: Non-chemical alternative
Description of Substitution
One of Denmark’s largest manufactures of gold jewellery has successfully substituted the use of Borax in gem stone protection in welding processes. When welding needs to be applied close to an incorporated gem stone, the stone will often need to be protected from oxidation and in this case Borax is one of the few compounds applicable for this. The solution to elimination of borax containing compounds, and achieving an even higher precision in the welding process, was to invest in laser welding equipment. The item to be welded is placed in a small cabinet containing the laser welding equipment and the handling is done via slots on the sides of the cabinet. The cabinet is equipped with exhaust to prevent any welding fumes from escaping.
Case/substitution evaluation
Precision laser welding of items in gold jewellery production, especially in closed cabinet, makes it possible to eliminate the use of Borax in protection of gemstones, and at the same time provide full protection against welding fumes. The initial investment cost can be substantial for a small company or an independent jewellery manufacturer, none the less, it is a recommendable technique.
State of implementation
In use
Availability ofAlternative
On the market
Type of information supplier
User
Contact
Date, reviewed
November 26, 2021