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Fuel Gas & Melting Temperatures

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.

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Fuel Gas Temperatures
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 Melting Points
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