The metal pewter has been used since ancient times and is extracted from the mineral cassiterite. At Humstorp Metallverkstad in Västergötland they are constantly working on choosing the most environmentally friendly alternatives when purchasing. Throughout the manufacturing process, waste is minimised and whatever metal scrap remains is sent to recycling. Excess pewter can be melted down and used once again. In addition, a separate solar power facility provides approximately 40% of the workshop’s electricity consumption.

This is how pewter objects are manufactured at Humstorp Metall

The first stage in the manufacture of Svenskt Tenn’s pewter objects is to start the crucible at the workshop. The pewter is melted at 263° and it takes approximately one hour before it is sufficiently hot to be cast into the moulds.

After that, it’s time for the actual moulding, work which requires enormous precision and artisanal skill. The slightest incorrect calculation can result in the moulding being scrapped and melted anew, and thus it is of the greatest importance that the moulds are of the right temperature, that they are angled correctly, and that the pewter is cast into the moulds at the right speed. The pewter solidifies in just a few seconds, depending somewhat on product and the temperature of the pewter. The moulds must then be cooled down before it is possible to mould again.

Once the solidified products are taken out of the moulds, it’s time also to grind them and, in some cases, prepare details and contours by hand. At this stage, an inspection takes place as to whether any part of the object must be repaired or reworked. The least impurity in the pewter means that the product must be soldered, ground and polished until the correct final result is achieved.