| What is PMC® |
Precious metal clay® PMC, PMC+® and PMC3® represent a dramatic
development in working with precious metal. PMC consists of microscopic
particles of silver and gold suspended in an organic binder to create a pliable
material with a consistency similar to that of modeling clay. PMC can be
worked with fingers and simple tools to create a vast range of forms and
surfaces that are unobtainable or laborious using traditional techniques. When
it is heated to a high temperature, the binder burns away and the metal
particles fuse to form solid metal that can be sanded, soldered, colored and
polished like conventional materials.
development in working with precious metal. PMC consists of microscopic
particles of silver and gold suspended in an organic binder to create a pliable
material with a consistency similar to that of modeling clay. PMC can be
worked with fingers and simple tools to create a vast range of forms and
surfaces that are unobtainable or laborious using traditional techniques. When
it is heated to a high temperature, the binder burns away and the metal
particles fuse to form solid metal that can be sanded, soldered, colored and
polished like conventional materials.
Precious Metal Clay is a patented material developed in the early 1990's by
Mitsubishi Materials Corporation of Japan. The principal ingredient in PMC is
tiny metal particles only 20 microns in diameter. As a point of reference, it
would take as many as 25 of these particles to make up a single grain of
table salt. The rest of the material consists of water and an organic (naturally
occuring) binder. After firing, both the water and the binder have been
completely removed, so PMC may be hallmarked and will assay as .999 pure.
Dried-out PMC or unwanted fired objects can be refined just like conventional
precious metal.
Mitsubishi Materials Corporation of Japan. The principal ingredient in PMC is
tiny metal particles only 20 microns in diameter. As a point of reference, it
would take as many as 25 of these particles to make up a single grain of
table salt. The rest of the material consists of water and an organic (naturally
occuring) binder. After firing, both the water and the binder have been
completely removed, so PMC may be hallmarked and will assay as .999 pure.
Dried-out PMC or unwanted fired objects can be refined just like conventional
precious metal.
PMC, when properly fired, has about 97% of the density of cast
fine silver. Therefore, it is just as heavy as cast fine silver, which
is about the same weight as sterling.
fine silver. Therefore, it is just as heavy as cast fine silver, which
is about the same weight as sterling.
PMC is available in three versions: standard PMC, which provides the best
modeling and greater shrinkage characteristics; PMC+, which is denser, has
less shrinkage and offers several firing options; and PMC3. All three kinds of
clay are worked with the same tools, may be fired in the same kiln, and can
be finished in the same ways.
modeling and greater shrinkage characteristics; PMC+, which is denser, has
less shrinkage and offers several firing options; and PMC3. All three kinds of
clay are worked with the same tools, may be fired in the same kiln, and can
be finished in the same ways.
Three kinds of PMC
Precious Metal Clay is now available in three different versions called PMC,
PMC+ and PMC3. Each is sold in lump form; PMC+ is also sold as slip(liquid
clay), paste, paper and syringe. Each version offers its own unique benefits.
PMC+ and PMC3. Each is sold in lump form; PMC+ is also sold as slip(liquid
clay), paste, paper and syringe. Each version offers its own unique benefits.
PMC has ideal workability and a relatively high shrinkage that allows wonderful
detail. It is the least expensive version.
detail. It is the least expensive version.
PMC+ fires very quickly and results in a dense and durable material. It also
allows for firing at three different temperatures, the lowest of which makes
certain implants and enamels possible.
allows for firing at three different temperatures, the lowest of which makes
certain implants and enamels possible.
PMC3 fires at an even lower temperature (1290ºF) which not only allows
implants but means alternative, low-tech firing devices become possible.
implants but means alternative, low-tech firing devices become possible.
Not every artist will need all three versions. Some find a preference and stick
with it, while others use different materials depending on the nature of their
work.
with it, while others use different materials depending on the nature of their
work.
How do they do it? In the end is it all silver?
Yes, all three versions yield the same metal, 100% silver. The difference is not
in the ingredients but in the shape of the particles.
in the ingredients but in the shape of the particles.
Original PMC is make with flake-like particles that allow plenty of room for the
binder, which gives the material its workability.
binder, which gives the material its workability.
PMC+ is made with particles that have more neatly defined edges. This allows
for quicker fusing and a denser material. Notice that the spaces between
particles are smaller - this will result in more durable jewelry.
for quicker fusing and a denser material. Notice that the spaces between
particles are smaller - this will result in more durable jewelry.
The newest member of the team, PMC3, uses particles that are even smaller
than the silver dust used in other versions. The denser packing allows this
material to fuse at very low temperatures.
than the silver dust used in other versions. The denser packing allows this
material to fuse at very low temperatures.
How do you use PMC?
The tools you need and how to form PMC.
The tools you need and how to form PMC.
What finishing methods can I use?
There are many finishing options for PMC.
There are many finishing options for PMC.
Where can I get PMC?
Cherokee Enterprises has everything you need to create with PMC.
Cherokee Enterprises has everything you need to create with PMC.
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