$110 to ship a $150 rod of molybdenum? That's a bit high...
It was only $20 to a US destination.
Well, I'd want a lot more info on what is actually being sold--like knowing what alloy it might be.
Not to mention--from Wikipedia:
Molybdenum dusts and fumes, which can be generated by mining or metalworking, can be toxic, especially if ingested (including dust trapped in the sinuses and later swallowed). Low levels of prolonged exposure can cause irritation to the eyes and skin. Direct inhalation or ingestion of molybdenum and its oxides should be avoided. OSHA regulations specify the maximum permissible molybdenum exposure in an 8-hour day as 5 mg/m3. Chronic exposure to 60 to 600 mg/m3 can cause symptoms including fatigue, headaches and joint pains.
I had not realised that it could be so hazardous. Believe it or not i was not trying to kill you, merely raising a discussion point.
Not to burst your bubble, but Fred is not 3D printing lights. And he has delved into materials a bit more complicated metallurgically speaking than simple silver.
You comments make it sound like i have in some way belittled Fred's achievements. Far from it.
My point was that by using silver rather than something like copper, the cost is greatly increased while the benefits are only slightly improved, i therefore don't worry too much about cost if it's a project of interest to me.
I did it because i can, because i wanted to see what would happen and because nobody else has done something similar.
I've always felt that Fred makes lights for the same reasons and they are impressive for these very reasons.
The light i mentioned is actually made of sterling silver, usually a blend of at least 92.5% silver and the remainder being copper.
This provides a desirable strength increase to the otherwise overly soft silver.....gosh metallurgy.
I also have not exclusively made torches by 3D printing them, i have turned many metal types in my time and look forward to opportunities to try new ones.
One of my next projects will be a 365nm UV light with a magnesium body.
Now the snap reaction would be that this is a stupid idea and a great way of starting an uncontrollable fire but funnily enough the very reason i deem magnesium suitable for torches is the same reason why it won't burst into flames: good thermal conductivity and excellent machinability.
Large chips, cut cleanly won't get hot enough to combust and the body itself would have to be thrown in a furnace before it started to burn.
It also anodises which will allow some level of corrosion resistance.
Will it work? Who knows, but i'll enjoy finding out.
All i know is that i really want to have a go at working with tungsten and if your earlier comments were to the effect that i won't be able to then we have a point of disagreement.
