A standard spark plug typically features a nickel-alloy outer material fused to the copper-core electrodes.Ĭopper spark plugs run cooler and provide more power in performance driving situations. While almost all spark plugs feature a copper core, many people refer to the common spark plug as a “copper” spark plug. The copper spark plug is the most common and cheapest plug available. What are the advantages and disadvantages of the copper spark plug? These metals also help extend the interval between spark plug changes and decrease the misfire rate. The use of metals like nickel alloy, platinum and iridium reduces the wear caused by high voltage sparks. This is the vital spark that starts the combustion process. The metal channels the high voltage from the spark plug wire through the spark plug so it can spark when it goes across the small gap between the central electrode and the side electrode. Manufacturers use precious and other metals in the center and side electrodes of a spark plug.

We also make all our hand-drawn wire with Ruthenium alloy because in the process of drawing the wire, the metal compacts and almost entirely eliminates porosity.What is the purpose of metal in a spark plug? We use Platinum alloyed with Ruthenium for thinner or more intricate designs that require strength. This is a very valuable attribute for customers who are hard on their jewelry. We, however, have found that the “Pro” most of the times outweighs the “Con,” and that the piece of jewelry is very hard and thus more durable. The final product may have some noticeable porosity especially in large, polished areas. That causes the metal, in some cases and in some areas, to be porous. The final result is a Platinum that is very hard and great to work with except it comes with a caveat, the two metals are difficult to mix. This metal is very hard, so to use it as an alloy, the mix needs to be 95% Platinum / 5% Ruthenium. We also have in mind how it will be worn earrings and pendants are subject to less impact vs. When making a piece of jewelry, we take into account that it tends to be soft. We use Platinum alloyed with Iridium for certain designs. The final product, however, is on the softer side and if this is not taken into account in the manufacturing process, there could be long-lasting issues like the ring bending out of form if worn roughly. Iridium mixes well with Platinum therefore, the finished product should have minor porosity and yield a beautiful luster after the final polish. If the mix was 95% Platinum / 5% Iridium, it would be too soft for jewelry.

To use Iridium, the mix needs to be 90% Platinum / 10% Iridium, which makes the final Platinum metal hard enough to work with.

Iridium is also a softer type of metal but harder than Platinum. _ Iridiumįirst of all, pure Platinum is by nature soft and “chewy,” so it cannot be used for jewelry in this form and therefore needs an alloy to strengthen it. There are two major Platinum alloys used in fine jewelry, one is Iridium and the other is Ruthenium. In this article series, I will explain why that depends on the different alloys used and manufacturing techniques, what are the differences between the two metals, the impact each has on price, the impact on longevity, which is best for what kind of jewel and ultimately the decision that is best for you. Process Not everyone will agree that manufacturing jewelry in Platinum is better than white gold because of a major conflicting difference: strength.

Ruthenium vs iridium