SMELTING

Smelting is an Alloy of iron and Carbon whose carbon content ranges, according to classical definitions, between about 2 and 6.7%, which distinguishes it from Steel, which is less carburized. The term also more broadly refers to the operation of melting a Metal for casting purposes. Rich in carbon, Smelting is hard but brittle and has little ductility, which makes it unsuitable for stressed components of the Movement; however, it is easy to cast and offers good dimensional stability. In watchmaking, it is mainly found in tooling, machine frames, gallows, and certain Bench supports, where its rigidity and vibration-damping capacity are appreciated. Mastery of Smelting is more a matter of metallurgy and tool manufacturing than of watchmaking itself, but it remains an essential link in the production chain.

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– Metals