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How is pewter alloy made?

Even if there is a wide variety of pewter alloys used to produce pewter art, pewter ornaments and pewter figurines, the manufacturing process is the same for each pewter alloy. Having this in mind, the following steps are being followed:

The proportion of tin necessary to create a specific pewter alloy is being melted into a pot called “crucible” (as seen in the picture). Next the other two elements, antimony and copper, are added to the molten metal. The amount of copper and antimony will increase or decrease the alloy’s hardness and improve its strength. The amounts added vary based on the purpose of the pewter item produced. Finally, the molten mass is mixed and then poured into moulds to produce the required pewter figurines or pewter art items.

However, the molten mass can also be poured into special iron moulds, rolled out and cut according to standard shapes. In this way, pewter alloys can be cast into wires, disks and various objects. When it comes to pewter disks, the process used is called “spinning” and it requires spinning the disk against a wooden form known as “lathe”. In order to push to pewter alloy into the shape it is necessary the usage of blunt tools.

This process is easy to be performed using the appropriate piece of equipment, dedication and attention. In addition, the pewter parts produced can be joined together through a process known as “soldering”.

The manufacturing process of pewter

As we already know, tin is the major constituent of pewter. However, tin is produced from tin ore and the major supply source is located in South America or the Far East.

Below are the reasons for which tin is the major element used to create the pewter alloy:

• Is non-toxic
• Has a relatively low melting point – 232 oC
• Is easily controllable
• Has good fluidity when molten
• Is a soft metal

Once the pewter alloy is produced various techniques can be applied, depending on the pewter item to be produced. For instance, spinning is a technique through which flat sheets are easily transformed into hollow vessels. This technique is done on a spinning lathe and by using the formers (also called burnishers) the spinner produced former chucks that come in different sizes and shapes.

Moreover, casting is definitely the oldest technique used to produce pewterware. Surprisingly, this method is still used in some countries and there are three possibilities for this technique:

1. Gravity Casting – the traditional method to transform pewter alloy into permanent metal moulds.
2. Slush Casting – used to produce hollow castings without using cores.
3. Rubber Mould Casting – the centrifugal technique which is today the most common used for the production of small pewter items, accurately and quickly.

Apart from the casting and spinning methods, there are also the finishing and soldering techniques. The skills required by all these methods have been handed down over many centuries and we owe all craftsmen gratitude for their efforts to create exceptional pewter items.

All pewter items manufactured using the traditional methods are true works of art. All antique pewter articles are collectables and a great alternative for home decorating, while being the best match for your home furniture and home design.