Camino Pendants Coming Soon. . .

Tarma's Cut Stainless Steel -- Bold & Green

When we started Tarma Designs in 2005, we chose a material and a manufacturing process that would lend itself to intricate detail, had a bold but simple look, was durable and could be worn 24/7.  We wanted it go with an active lifestyle - hiking, cycling, running, yoga.  And was something that you didn't have to take off or worry about. With a clean slate, we could do something different.

For the material, we chose the very "green" 316L stainless steel.  Tarma's 316L stainless has a +60% post-consumer recycled content. 316L can be worked in many different finishes, cut or cast, will never tarnish and is lightweight and strong. Often used in maritime and medical uses, this surgical grade material is very inert and does not oxidize, so it will never tarnish and is happy in the shower or swimming.

For the manufacturing process, we chose Electric Discharge Machining, or EDM.  The process allows us to cut very detailed, unsupported designs in small image areas, yet still be very durable. Items like the Running Gal (http://www.tarmadesigns.com/product/running-jewelry/100457/) pendant can have the entire body cut out with just 2 support points at the feet.  Note the head does not touch.

MOD# 100457

With the computer controlled cutting wire just a fraction of a millimeter in diameter, the process is very precise.  And because the wire is cutting with electricity (not friction), we can make intricate shapes with no load on the unsupported part being cut.  Below is a diagram of the EDM cutting process. 

EDM Process

Sheets of stainless steel are first secured in a fixture. The fixture is controlled by a computer reading from the CNC file with an image of the design.  A pilot hole is drilled and the cutting wire run through and connected to the take-up spool.  Each hole that is cut goes through this process.  Some designs will call for 7 or 8 holes cut this way. After the piece is cut, its deburred and laser marked, then polished, finished with a steel brush or sand blasted. Some pieces will also be vacuum plated.

For more on this and other product information, please visit Tarma Product Info Page.