PMC (PMC) is really a clay-like medium used for a variety of artistic pursuits. It consists of water, an organic binding material, and tiny particles of either silver or gold. Various other metal clays exist on the market and can contain silver, platinum, copper, and gold. There are varieties that contain alloys as well, including steel and bronze.

Metal clay containing alloys is less expensive as the metals themselves carry smaller price tags. Precious metals are more expensive, increasing the price of the clay that contains them. The price of the metal in the clay determines the price range for the medium, as well as the appearance, quality, and value of the items created with it.

PMC can be used to create beads, jewelry, and even small sculptured pieces. It can be shaped with the same techniques used with soft clay. Hand-shaping is common. It can also be used with clay molds. Some artisans create their own unique molds for use with PMC.

After being shaped, the clay is allowed to dry before being fired. Firing can be completed through various means. A kiln can be used, though some artisans will use a handheld gas-fueled torch. A gas stove can also be an inexpensive and easy method of firing items created from PMC. The type of PMC used determines the firing method needed. There are three varieties of PMC and each requires a different firing temperature to produce the right conditions to fuse the metal fragments together.

In the firing process, there are changes that take place. The binding material that holds the precious metal fragments burns away during firing. The fine metal fragments fuse together, creating a solid metal piece. The entire process causes shrinkage in the final piece. The shrinkage amount depends on the product that is used but can be anywhere between 12 and 30 percent.

The shrinking that occurs with PMC makes it easier for artisans to create very fine pieces. It can be quite difficult and challenging to craft a minute item with pure metal as the base medium. It is easier and simpler to create such an item with PMC. It can be crafted in a larger size and then shrunk to the desired final size. When the artisan knows the percentage of shrinkage with a particular product, they can then create a piece that will shrink just the right amount to create the desired end result.

Silver metal clay is perfect for enameling, producing objects that are just under one percent pure silver. Gold metal clay is more expensive but creates pieces with a rich color and fine appearance. Both can be used to create solid metal pieces and also be good choices for creating small accents that are combined with other larger objects.

Artisans use PMC to create simple metal pieces and ornate components of other larger projects. The uses for PMC vary widely, limited only by the imagination of the user. Many individuals use the medium in the creation of jewelry and jewelry components. It is also commonly used in the creation of small statues. It can easily be used to make fine designs for decorating wooden structures as well.

PMC is sold in lumps and packaged in sealed sleeves to keep it moist. The moisture keeps the clay soft and workable. It can be purchased in pre-filled syringes that contain a softer paste-like version of the medium. Jars filled with thin slips of this medium can also be found.

PMC was developed in Japan in the early 1990s by Dr. A. Morikawa, a metallurgist. It contains miniscule pieces of pure silver or gold. When fired, the organic, non-toxic binding material burns away and the fine metal fuses together to create a solid finished metal piece.

There are three varieties of PMC, each designed to be fired at a different temperature. The Standard PMC has to be fired in a kiln and must achieve a temperature of 900 degrees Celsius to achieve the proper consistency.

Mitsubishi Materials Corporation developed the other two varieties of PMC. The second type is called PMC+ and can be fired at 810 degrees Celsius. The final version is PMC3 and can be fired at 599 degrees Celsius, making it a good choice for crafters who work with their home’s gas stove.

PMC carries 22k and 18k yellow gold clay. They also carry silver and platinum clay. The platinum and the 18k gold varieties are only sold in Japan.

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