More than 20% of Progold’s resources are dedicated to Research and Development. New solutions and alternative answers for the market needs that give life to new high performing products. We work on our every-day research projects to support our customers and to reach our ambitious goal as to give the maximum of our experience and of our know-how. A perfect mix between skilled resources and advanced instruments. Each alloy and master alloy is the result of several tests and quantitative and qualitative analyses

It represents the basis of each research project. To achieved what the human eye cannot, in order to understand causes and effects. Thanks to the digital microscope it is possible to analyze the defects and physical characteristics of the samples up to a 2000x enlargement

The scanning electron microscope allows to analyze at a microscopic level the sample morphology of an element by verifying its characteristics.  Coupled to an EDS (Energy Dispersive X-RAY Spectroscopy), it is used to characterize in a qualitative way of solids substances and to carry elemental analyses. The SEM-EDS becomes fundamental to obtain both a qualitative and quantitative analysis of the alloys and of the purity of the raw materials.

We use the dilatometer to evaluate with extreme precision the dimensional variation of the alloys during the solid-liquid transformation and its linear thermal dilation coefficient. It is used to verify changes in density, phase transitions and influence of eventual additives. Most importantly, it allows to estimate the percentage shrinkage each alloy presents during the transition from liquid to solid and thus determine the suitability of each alloy for the different productive processes.

The thermogravimetric analysis, the differential thermal analysis and the differential scanning calorimetry analysis are used by our R&D team to obtain very precise information regarding the temperature at which some thermal events occur and to determine their nature. One example would the liquidus and solidus temperature, parameters of extreme importance during casting.

The profilometer becomes essential when it is necessary to measure and mathematically quantify the roughness of a surface. Such instrument is principally used for the development and the analysis of prototypes produced by Progol3D® team through SLM (selective laser melting)

It is based on the CIELab system, through which it is possible to describe the color using a 3D space and mathematical coordinates. The reports give back the values of 3 different chromatographic coordinates (L*, a*, b*) that help evidence even the minimal color differences between alloys of the same color.

The Inductive Coupled Plasma Spectrometry is an analytical technique that allows the determination of a considerable number of elements within a given composition.  This technique is capable of carrying our both quantitative and qualitative analyses.

Thank to this analysis it is possible to determine the hardness of a material through a non-destructive analysis (the sample maintains its integrity and functionality). The output, measured in Vickers, is given by the ratio of the applied force and the surface of the mark left by the indention.

The tensile test is fundamental for alloy . It consist in a linear load that is applied on a sample, which gradually increases until the sample reaches its fractures point. The results give the main mechanical characteristics of the tested precious alloy.

Through the XENON TEST the jewels are exposed to a light that recreates the same ageing effect given by either solar radiation or artificial light but in an accelerated way in order to evaluate how the jewels change color over time.

Thanks to the deep drawing test we measure deep drawing characteristics of a material. This is very important to evaluate the suitability of a precious alloys in productions of jewels that is to be used un deep drawing productions.

The chemical analysis through X-ray is very common. In Progold Lab we use the ED-XRF technique for a CQ of ready-made products and thus intercepting possible mistakes made by the operators. For the CQ of all our alloys and masterr alloys we use more sophisticated WD-XRF technique,. We also determine the gold, silver and platinum fineness of our XBRAX solder pastes and of the 3D printed jewels

How is it possible to anticipate the needs of the market without directly testing the different productive processes?

In our Progold lab you can find

- An investment mixer for preparation of the flasks

- Wax Injector

- Closed casting machine

- Open casting machine

- Hardening and annealing furnaces with protective environments

- Belt furnace for soldering, a jewelers bench and rolling and drawing machines.