P/M (Powder Metallurgy) involves the net shape manufacture of parts from or with powdered metal. P/M processing has the potential to be used in many jewelry manufacturing applications. MIM (Metal Injection Molding) can compete with investment casting and some stamping/coining operations. P/S (Press and Sinter) is a viable method to make ring and coin blanks. Precious metal alloys in powder form are the basis of solder pastes that are used in fusion processing.

This paper will review several pertinent methods of P/M as applied to jewelry manufacturing. Examples of P/M jewelry applications will be illustrated.

Author: Joseph Tunick Strauss