15 Apr Metal Clay and Powder Metallurgy
Posted at 09:15h
in Metal Clay
People are usually surprised when they hear that metal clay exists. When explained, it makes sense though. It’s powdered metal, mixed with an organic binder and water. It feels and looks similar to ceramic clay. It air dries and can be worked in dry form, and is then fired in a kiln or a torch. After the binder burns away, the metal sinters. This means that the particles adhere to each other below the melting point. It allows the metal to keep it’s form and surface detail, while gaining most of the strength of solid metal.
If that seems high tech, then have a look at this video on Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS).
