How to Use PMC >> Prev | Firing Tools | Next
Firing Tools
PMC can be fired in any device that will sustain the required temperature for the recommended time. These range from inexpensive torches and furnaces that need constant attention to programmable kilns that are fully automatic. When used correctly, all these devices will yield an equally strong result. Beyond reliability and convenience there is no reason to prefer one method over another.
Kilns
Small electric kilns are ideal and can also be used for glass, ceramics and burn-out. A programmable unit allows you to set the ramp (heating up) time, the holding temperature and the holding time at this temperature. Large ceramic kilns are not recommended for PMC because the heat inside the kiln usually fluctuates too much from one area to another.
Torches
It is possible to fire PMC+ and PMC3 with any torch customarily used for jewellery work. Set the work on a soldering block in a dimly lit space and heat until the PMC glows red. Hold at a clear red for the prescribed time (see table below). A butane torch with a special nozzle reduces the risk of overheating.
| PMC | 1650F (900C) for two hours |
| PMC+ | 1650F (900C) for 10 minutes 1560F (850C) for 20 minutes 1470F (800C) for 30 minutes |
| PMC3 | 1290F (700C) for 10 minutes 1200F (650C) for 20 minutes 1110F (600C) for 30 minutes |
Other Firing Options
The introduction of PMC3 opens the door to a wide range of firing devices such as hot air guns, pellet (solid alcohol/Sterno) furnaces and some camp stoves.
| AT THIS TEMPERATURE: | THIS IS HAPPENING TO THE PMC: |
| 500F (260C) | Binder burns away; some flame, smoke and odour |
| 1000F (538C) | PMC starts to show dim red glow |
| 1100F (593C) | Clear red colour; threshold for early sintering |
| 1200F (650C) | Glowing red colour (20 minutes here completely fires PMC3) |
| 1300F (700C) | Bright red colour (10 minutes here completely fires PMC3) |
| 1400F (760C) | Luminous, vibrant red colour |
| 1500F (815C) | Brilliant red-orange colour. |
| 1600F (870C) | Glowing red-orange colour; surface shimmers |
| 1700F (926C) | Surface shimmers and appears wet. |
| 1761F (960C) | Surface shines like mercury, edges curl and the silver draws up into a ball - IMPORTANT: Do not get to this point! |