Gold behaves differently under this process than the other jewelry metals, and that changes which settings — sometimes which machine — you need. 16 chain making machines in the range are suitable for gold work.
Suitable models
Published figures, not marketing categories. Every model links through to its own specification page.
| Model | Wire | Chain style | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| EST-BHMM | 0.19 – 0.9 mm | Specialty | 140 kg |
| EST-C-450 | 0.19 – 0.45 mm | Curb | 148 kg |
| EST-C-BCM | 0.2 – 1.5 mm | Bismark | 180 kg |
| EST-C-BOC | 0.8 – 2 mm | Ball | 285 kg |
| EST-C-BX1 | 0.6 – 1 mm | Box | 83 kg |
| EST-C-BX2 | 1.2 – 3 mm | Box | 176 kg |
| EST-C-F450 | 0.19 – 0.45 mm | Cable | 185 kg |
| EST-C-FCM | 1.2 | Specialty | 550 kg |
| EST-C-HMM | — | Specialty | 610 kg |
| EST-C-L450 | 0.5 – 2.5 mm | Specialty | 170 kg |
| EST-C-RCM | 0.25 – 0.8 mm | Rope | 170 kg |
| EST-C-RLM | 1.2 – 5.5 mm | Rolo | 180 kg |
| EST-C-U450 | 1.8 – 5 mm | Specialty | 395 kg |
| EST-CRC | 0.11 – 0.35 mm | Chinese rope | 185 kg |
| EST-SNC | 0.2 – 1.5 mm | Snake | 208 kg |
| EST-SPIGA | 0.11 – 0.55 mm | Spiga | 121 kg |
Working gold with this process
Gold alloys are reflective and conduct heat quickly, so energy has to arrive in short controlled bursts rather than as sustained heat. Alloy matters more than colour: the copper and silver content of a 14k or 18k alloy changes how it takes a mark and how it flows in a weld pool. Always test on scrap of the same alloy before committing a batch, then save the parameter set.
Parameter sets are not transferable between metals. Build one profile per alloy and per section thickness, name it clearly and store it in machine memory — the models above that offer programmable memory carry that option in their specification.
Choosing between them
A short decision table. Find the row that describes your work, then read across.
| If this describes your production… | Look at | Because |
|---|---|---|
| Fine chain, small sections, high link count | EST-CRC | Rated down to 0.11 mm wire, which is where fine chain lives. |
| Heavy link, substantial finished weight | EST-C-RLM | Rated up to 5.5 mm wire, with the frame and drive to match. |
| Limited floor loading or awkward access to the room | EST-C-BX1 | Lightest unit on this page at 83 kg — easiest to move in and position. |
None of these rows is a rule. They are the questions we would ask on a call, written down — and if two rows point at different machines, that is exactly the point where a conversation saves money.
Site requirements before you order
The three checks that cause most delays, with values taken from the machines on this page.
| Check | On these models | What to confirm |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical supply | 220–240V 50/60Hz · 220V 50Hz | Socket type, breaker rating, and whether the site runs 50 Hz or 60 Hz. |
| Weight and access | 83 – 610 kg | Floor loading, door clearance, and whether a pallet truck can reach the final position. |
Model by model
EST-BHMM
A butterfly variable hammer chain machine for decorative flattened-link chains. Specified at wire 0.19 – 0.9 mm, 140 kg. Full figures on the EST-BHMM specification page.
EST-C-450
A cable & curb chain making machine for fine cable and curb styles. Specified at wire 0.19 – 0.45 mm, 148 kg. Full figures on the EST-C-450 specification page.
EST-C-BCM
A Bismark chain coupling machine for woven multi-link bismark chains. Specified at wire 0.2 – 1.5 mm, 180 kg. Full figures on the EST-C-BCM specification page.
EST-C-BOC
A ball (bead) chain making machine for decorative and functional ball chains. Specified at wire 0.8 – 2 mm, 285 kg. Full figures on the EST-C-BOC specification page.
EST-C-BX1
A box (Venetian) chain machine using solder powder for clean box-link chains. Specified at wire 0.6 – 1 mm, 83 kg. Full figures on the EST-C-BX1 specification page.
EST-C-BX2
A box chain machine with integrated laser welding for stronger heavier box chains. Specified at wire 1.2 – 3 mm, 176 kg. Full figures on the EST-C-BX2 specification page.
EST-C-F450
An all-in-one cable chain making machine for fine cable chains. Specified at wire 0.19 – 0.45 mm, 185 kg. Full figures on the EST-C-F450 specification page.
EST-C-FCM
A faceting (diamond-cut) machine that adds sparkle facets to finished chains. Specified at wire 1.2, 550 kg. Full figures on the EST-C-FCM specification page.
Related pages on this site
- Chain Making Machines for 0.1–0.4 mm Wire — Chain machines rated for 0.1–0.4 mm wire: styles covered, capacity limits, machine weights and what changes at each…
- Chain Making Machines for 0.4–1 mm Wire — Chain machines rated for 0.4–1 mm wire: styles covered, capacity limits, machine weights and what changes at each…
- Chain Making Machines for 1–2.5 mm Wire — Chain machines rated for 1–2.5 mm wire: styles covered, capacity limits, machine weights and what changes at each…
- Gold Laser Marking Machines — How gold behaves under this process, which models are suitable, and the specification differences that matter for gold…
- Gold Laser Welding Machines — How gold behaves under this process, which models are suitable, and the specification differences that matter for gold…
- Laser Marking for Jewelry: A Complete Guide — background reading on the process itself.
- Laser Welding for Jewelry Repair and Assembly — background reading on the process itself.
- All equipment solutions by process — marking, welding, chain forming and inline welding side by side.
- Power, cooling and site-supply FAQs.
References
- Chain construction — Link geometry and how weaves distribute load.
- Wire drawing — How feedstock wire is sized before chain forming.
- Jewellery manufacture — Where chain forming sits in the wider process.
- ESTAR TECH machine footage — the manufacturer channel these machines are filmed on.