Flux

Flux is a substance used in the soldering process to clean and prepare metal surfaces for bonding.

Part of speech: noun
Definition: In jewelry making, flux plays a critical role in the soldering process, acting as a cleansing agent that prepares metal surfaces for the fusion process. It helps in removing oxides and impurities from the metal surfaces, thereby ensuring a clean, strong bond between the pieces to be soldered. Additionally, flux facilitates the flow of the solder by reducing the surface tension, enabling the solder to spread smoothly over the joint area. The use of appropriate flux is fundamental for achieving high-quality, durable joints in jewelry items, making it an indispensable material in the fabrication and repair of various goldsmithing and silversmithing projects.