Handicraft
GOLD LEAF PRODUCTION
Although much has changed in modern gold leaf production since the Middle Ages, the basic principle has remained the same. The laws of physics can not be changed and the particular elasticity of gold can only be achieved by following certain rules. The old recipes for the various alloys are well-kept secrets. The alloying components are mainly gold, silver, copper, palladium and platinum.
Gold
Symbol of elements Au (Aurum) / 999,9 ‰ fineness
Silver
Symbol of elements Ag (Argentum) / 999,9 ‰ fineness
Copper
Symbol of elements Cu (Cuprum) / 999,9 ‰ fineness
Palladium
Symbol of elements Pd (Palladium) / 999,9 ‰ fineness
Production
MELTING
The precious metals are weighed and melted at over 1200 ° C. Aterwards the liquid gold is poured into a 4 cm wide bar.
Production
ROLLING
The rolling machine produces a thin gold foil in several processes. This gold foil ribbon is cut by machine into regular squares and placed between separator sheets.
Production
BEATING
After the first beating process, the gold foil is already 10 times larger and thinner than 1μ. Now the gold is again divided into small squares and placed into a mould of 2000 leaves.
Production
QUALITY
The gold leaf expands from 16 cm² to 196 cm² after the beating process. At every step, nothing is left to chance and is constantly monitored by quality control.
Production
BEATING
Depending on the state of expanding dimensions, the computer-controlled beating machines working fully automatically with different beating patterns. After the second beating process, the desired thickness of 1/7000 mm is reached.
Production
CUTTING
Every single leaf is checked and cutted by hand and placed in booklet made of tissue paper.
TRADITIONAL HANDICRAFT
combines with innovative manufacturing methods