One Man's Scrap is Another Man's Treasure
Published: 24th May 2024
Melt and Assay at Sheffield Assay Office
One man’s scrap is another man’s treasure
Whether you have old jewellery, dental scrap, sweeps from the jewellery manufacturing process or other precious metal containing alloys such as catalytic converters, we can melt these items down to produce a solid bar of metal along with a test certificate guaranteeing its precious metal content.
Melting precious metals requires achieving the melting temperatures of all elements present to produce a homogenous liquid phase, which will solidify after being left to cool in a mould.
The use of an appropriate furnace, fluxes and additives and the knowledge of an experienced melter play an important role in producing a homogenous final bar. This will then be stamped to identify the bar and associate it with the final report.
Keeping the melting and assaying in-house here at Sheffield Assay Office, allows full traceability of any bar weights.
Our laboratory test methods include fire assay, potentiometric titration, and ICP-OES analysis. The most appropriate methods will be used to issue a test report which you can use to trade your precious metal bar. Our reports are recognised throughout the trade as accurate and reliable.
The Sheffield Assay Office has a proven track record for its melt and assay services, combining years of experience and UKAS accredited test methods to give reports you can trust.
We have regular collection services available across the country in places such as London, Birmingham, and Leicester.
If you would like any further information, please contact our Analytical Services department on 0114 231 8160 or email us at info@assayoffice.co.uk
The Sheffield Assay Office was established in 1773, under an Act of Parliament and today the company assays and hallmarks the precious metals - silver, gold, platinum and palladium. Sheffield Assay Office is one of only four UK assay offices who all work to uphold the Hallmarking Act of 1973 and continue to ensure consumer protection for customers purchasing precious metals.
To find out more about the whole range of services offered by Sheffield Assay Office, such as our hallmarking and analytical services, please email us at info@assayoffice.co.uk or complete the contact form on our website at http://www.assayoffice.co.uk/contact-us,
Sign up here to all the latest news from Sheffield Assay Office direct to your inbox