Abstract: A melting tank for melting solder glass powders typically comprised of PbO and B2O3 and other minor ingredients. The tank contains surfaces exposed to the atmosphere and surfaces in contact with the molten solder glass. The surfaces of the tank that are in contact with the melt are comprised substantially entirely of iridium. Preferably, the surfaces exposed to the atmosphere contain a coating thereon of a metal or metal oxide such as palladium, ruthenium, rhodium, aluminum oxide, calcium oxide, cerium dioxide, dichromium oxide, hafnium dioxide, magnesium oxide, silicon dioxide, thorium dioxide, zirconia, mullite, magnesia spinel or zircon. It is also preferred that the cavity of the tank have a generally circular shape. The melting tank may be readily fabricated by wrought metallurgical processes or by electroforming.

Abstract: A clip exhibiting improved corrosion resistance and reduced weight is processed by a drawing operation which is preferably conducted without interannealing treatments and which may employ a variation of drawing speeds. The clip of the present invention is prepared from an aluminum base alloy comprising from about 0.05-6.0% silicon, about 0.10-0.8% iron, about 0.02-0.3% copper, up to 1.0% manganese and up to 7.0% magnesium. The resulting clips possess comparable tensile properties to conventional tin and zinc-coated steel clips with an economy of processing.