About M3 :Macro-Molecular Metals (M3) are part of the new breed of composite materials that make everything from the Stealth Bomber to the International Space Station possible. Additionally recognized for its astounding aesthetic properties, gem quality finish and heirloom characteristics; M3 Metal Composites allow the artisan to transcend the barrier between art and craft and transform handcrafted objects into the finest heirloom quality luxury goods.
These materials are made with high purity metals and other exotic elements that have been deconstructed to the macro-molecular level, re-alloyed and then reconstructed with highly refined chemical binders. Heat, pressure and an exothermic chemical reaction cause the molecules to cross link forming a new material with a unique macro-molecular structure. Because the molecules are distributed homogenously the new material gains the benefit of all the unique characteristics of the individual components.
Originally developed for aerospace and the military the engineers at M3 Composite Industries (M3ci) uncovered a host of aesthetic qualities that build on the remarkable benefits of these materials. The proprietary M3ci process together with the natural interplay of the metals and elements creates exotic metal colors, beautiful random wood grain patterns and metal combinations that were never before possible. Deep, dimensional, mirror finishes with galactic star field qualities make for a surface that is mesmerizing and lasting.
Engineered to be dense and stable with a high strength-to-weight ratio, M3 will hold the finest of detail. Colors and patterns run completely through the material and the finished product is beautiful, lightweight, very strong, comfortable to wear and to touch and will last for many generations. For more information on M3 Metal Composite please visit our corporate website www.M3Composite.com
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Product Information & Frequently Asked Questions?Latest News!
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VOLUME DISCOUNTS Buy 5 Get 1 FREE Buy 10 Get 2 FREE Buy 20 Get 4 FREE Buy 100 Get 20 FREE Want More than 100 Call (888) 478-6745 Try our FAQ search!
Please eMial or Call for Technical AssistanceCan I really work these metal blanks with standard wood tools?Yes, but don't just take our word for it. Read this independent and unbiased review written by pen turner who is a member of the IAP pen turners forum with over 5,000 members. The members of this forum were interested in our products when we first released them and some of them were skeptics. George volunteered to try our products and post his review along with production photos for all to read. (Click Here to Read the Review)
Penn State Industries, one of our retail channel partners produced this video on making a pen using an M3 metal pen blank and thier platinum and gold plated pen parts. (Click Here to Watch the Video)
We have found that using "Carbide Tipped" chisels greatly reduces the number of times that you will have to hone your standard wood turning chisels. Back to TopWhat is M3?M3 (short for "Macro Molecular Metal") is a new composite material which is made with up to 95% of real metal that has been atomized down to the molecular level and combined with special chemical binders. M3 is an exciting new space age material that is just now being recognized for its remarkable beauty, strength and futuristic properties. Millions of dollars have been spent perfecting this material for other industries, pen blanks are just a bonus. The skin of the Space Shuttle, the Stealth Bomber and the International Space Station all contain examples of this remarkable new material. It is electronically depleted so that it will not conduct electricity or cause electrolysis allowing for new metal alloys that are just not possible in nature. Back to Top
What is "Mokume Gane"?Mokume-Gane (pronounced Moe-koo-may Gah-nay and translates to “wood grain metal”) is the ancient Japanese metal working technique where layers of contrasting color metals such as copper, brass, nickel silver, gold, and silver are fusion welded with very high heat and pressure into one solid block of metal. Back to TopIs the M3 Mokume Gane real traditional Japanese Mokume Gane?No, this is not traditional Mokume-Gane. This is "M3 Mokume-Gane", which is a new composite material made out of contrasting M3 metals which share the visual characteristics, the wood grain of Mokume-Gane for a fraction of the price. In this case we have used the finest copper and the brightest aluminum and stainless steel to create our version of this ancient art and created real metal composite pen blanks that turn with traditional wood turning tools.
The same holds true for "Damascus Steel" or any other named metal or alloy combination. They are all M3 metals that are combined in order to achieve the visual characteristics of other, and in many cases more valuable metals. Back to TopHow do I achieve a high polish or shine on M3?You should polish this material as “Metal” rather than resin or acrylic. While it is manufactured with chemical binders up to 95% of the material is real metal so it will respond best to metal finishes.
You should polish this material as "Metal" rather than resin or acrylic. While it is manufactured with chemical binders 95% of the material is real metal so it will respond best to metal finishes. We use a string wheel (7" x 2") at 1725 rpm (or polish on the lathe) with a Premium Metal Polish (PMP) to achieve the highest gem quality finish. All orders ship with a complimentary sample of our PMP and more is available for purchase on our website.
Many craftspeople achieve beautiful results with nothing more than micro mesh sanding down to 12,000 grit. Will M3 take a patina?This material will patina with standard metal patina chemicals that are available from Triple S Chemical Supply, Jax Chemical or any other chemical patina supplier.
The metals used in producing this product maintain a very high level of purity and will patina naturally over time and with use. Most artisans feel that this allows the finished product to take on part of the persona of the person using it, but if you want it to always look the same as when first produced please use a clear coat or polish. Back to TopIs M3 guaranteed against defects in the blank?Yes. Our Guarantee: Traditionally materials such as these are reserved for the big name pen makers, but we are making them available to any craftsperson who wishes to raise their art to the next level. We are committed to working with you to insure the best possible result. If your finished work is not salable or presentable due to any defect in the pen blank then we will replace it for FREE. Simply send it back to us with an explanation of the defect and we will send you a new one all you pay for is the shipping. Back to TopWhat happens if I break an M3 blank while I am working on it?Oops Insurance (50% deductible): We recognize that M3 pen blanks cost more than other pen blanks on the market and they are worth every penny. What makes this material truly unique is the fact that it is unbelievably strong while at the same time easy to turn, carve and polish. That being said, mistakes do happen and when they happen with an expensive material it hurts. We want you to be successful. So if you break the pen blank, drill through, cut it wrong or destroy it in another fashion while working with it we will replace it for 50% of the current catalog price plus shipping. Simply send us the pieces with a brief explanation of what happened. Back to TopHow long until my order ships?Please keep in mind that these are not stock items nor are they mass produced in China. A large part of the manufacturing process is labor intensive and must be performed by some highly trained and skilled craftspeople, here in the USA. While we do inventory some of the more popular items most orders are made to order, which is why we ask for 5 days from order to ship date. Back to TopDo I need to wear a dust mask while working with M3?Yes. While the material itself is perfectly safe you can release high concentrations of metal dust when you turn, cut or sand it. MUST USE NIOSH 42 CFR 84 APPROVED DUST MASK WHEN CUTTING AND SANDING THIS MATERIAL WEAR SAFTEY GOOGLES WHEN WORKING THIS MATERIAL WITH ANY POWER TOOL Do you offer volume discounts?Yes. Our current volume discount is "Buy 5 Get 1 FREE" in multiples of 5. "Buy 10 Get 2 FREE";"Buy 15 Get 3 FREE"..... "Buy 100 Get 20 FREE" This works out to be a 20% discount. If you are going to purchase more than 100 or are going to be purchasing on a reoccurring basis then please send an email to info@MetalPenBlanks.com or call (888) 478-6745. Back to TopWhat if I need a different shape or size than what is available on the web site?If you don't see the shape or size that you need then please send an email to info@MetalPenBlanks.com or call (888) 478-6745. We are always happy to make custom shapes and sizes at no additional charge to you. Once we understand your needs and potential volume we will give you a no obligation quote for the new size or shape. As a matter of fact, most of the shapes and sizes that are available on our web site are the result of customer requests. What if I have an idea for a new blank design, metal blend, alloy or inlay?We have a complete R&D department ready to work with you FREE of charge. Simply send an email to info@MetalPenBlanks.com or call (888) 478-6745. Once we understand your needs and if we agree that it is possible to produce, our R&D team will attempt to make it. They will send you photos of the results and collaborate with you throughout the process. If we are successful then we will give you a no obligation quote for the new blank. While we will consider giving you an exclusive period based on your purchase volume, we retain the ownership rights of any and all blanks that we produce and reserve the right to market them to other customers.
As a matter of fact, our Mokume Gane series and Black Gold is the result of a customer suggestion. Are the patterns all the same ?NO. All patterns are random and each will be different just like a finger print. We do have some control over the flow of the metals and can effect the overall pattern. The available pattern groups are: Wood Grain (Mokume Gane), Linear which is used as the stock pattern for Black Gold and Swirl which is the stock pattern for Cobaltium.
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