Metal Wings Content

[DMD]

Does anyone know which alloys were used for non-sterling wings? In particular, what would a 9M or 1V wing be made of if it wasn't sterling. It appears that these have some silver content because of the way they tarnish. Other wings seem to have more nickel content.

 

Any metallurgists out there?

[brian e]

Does anyone know which alloys were used for non-sterling wings? In particular, what would a 9M or 1V wing be made of if it wasn't sterling. It appears that these have some silver content because of the way they tarnish. Other wings seem to have more nickel content.

 

Any metallurgists out there?

i have two vanguard jump wings that have been polished down to the base metal which appears to be brass

[cwnorma]

It really depends on the manufacturer. Most modern military insignia are made of spelter. Spelter is a general term for various alloys who's chief component is Zinc.

 

Spelter has a very low melting point, and is easy to cast. It also can be die-struck. Spelter can also be chrome plated.

 

Because it is easy to work, fairly durable, and very cheap, Spelter metals have nearly completely replaced precious or semi-precious metals in military insignia production.

 

As to the finish, most modern military insignia is electrostatically plated with a mixture of Chromium or Rhodium. The thickness of this plating depends on multiple factors including; how long the item is left in the electrostatic bath, the electrostatic charge, and the concentration of metal ions in the bath solution. Thicker finishes will tend to wear longer and be more attractive.

 

Chris