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Fuel Gas & Melting Temperatures
Different fuel gasses (acetylene, propane, natural gas) burn at different temperatures and are best suited for different jewelry operations. This chart outlines the maximum temperatures at which common fuel gasses burn along with the melting points of some of the most common metals used in jewelry and metalsmithing. Download a pdf of Fuel Gas & Melting Temperatures. You can also read a text description of this information below.
| Fuel Gas | Max Temperature | Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| Acetylene | 3300°F | Highest flame temperature. Many torch options available. Produces carbon soot and cannot be used with Platinum. Must be purchased from a welding/gas supplier. Not sold in most hardware stores. |
| Propane | 2800°F | Less expensive than acetylene and more readily available. Clean burning. Can be purchased in small disposable cylinders. Lower flame temperature than acetylene. Should not be stored indoors. |
| Hydrogen | 2650°F | Relatively high flame temperature. Perfect for casting platinum because it’s clean burning. Expensive and only available from specialty suppliers. |
| MAPP® | 2900°F | Combination of liquefied petroleum gas and methylacetylene-propadiene. Readily available in small disposable cylinders. Clean burning and high temperature. |
| Natural Gas | 2750°F | Lower temperature. Safe and cost effective if you already have a natural gas hookup, but requires a professional to install. |
| Butane | 1760°F | Affordable and readily available. Small containers means it’s very portable. Low temperature. |
| Metal | Symbol | Melting Point Celcius | Melting Point Fahrenheit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aluminum | Al | 660°C | 1220°F |
| Brass/Bronze | 954°C | 1750°F | |
| Copper | Cu | 1083°C | 1981°F |
| Gold | Au | 1063°C | 1945°F |
| Iron/Steel | Fe | 1539°C | 2802°F |
| Lead | Pb | 327°C | 621°F |
| Nickel | Ni | 1455°C | 2651°F |
| Palladium | Pd | 1555°C | 2831°F |
| Platinum | Pt | 1773°C | 3224°F |
| Silver, Fine | Ag | 961°C | 1761°F |
| Silver, Sterling | 893°C | 1640°F | |
| Tin | Sn | 232°C | 450°F |
| Zinc | Zn | 419°C | 787°F |
