The quality of the accessories we make has its first foundation in our deep knowledge of the materials with which we produce them. In the relationship of men with brass, steel, zamak, precious metals and leathers we can find a very long history of technological and creative innovation. Each material responds to different needs and uses, offering specific performance. It is with this awareness that AMF processes the raw material, having cutting-edge technologies and with full mastery of processing techniques, to create accessories of extraordinary workmanship.
Recognising the quality, characteristics and potential of materials already means starting to imagine their uses at the service of creativity.
ZAMA
Zamak is an alloy based on zinc, aluminum, magnesium and copper, particularly suitable for the production of items with complex parts and reduced tolerances. This material lends itself to the creation of different types of items, from the small technical component to the important leather goods buckle. Recent innovations in die-casting techniques and finishing cycles have made this material one of the preferred choices not only for clothing and footwear accessories but also for the production of high-quality leather goods.
BRASS
Brass is the traditional material in the world of accessories. AMF brass products are obtained by cold blanking/bending, hot working or CNC turning/machining.
By cold shearing/folding, sheets or brass wire are transformed into items such as snap buttons, denim buttons and hooks of various types. Thanks to its very high productivity, this processing is particularly suitable for items with large volumes.
The hot work used, applicable not only to brass but also to steel and aluminum, are mainly investment casting and forging/hot forging. Lost-wax investment casting is mainly used in the case of limited editions with very particular geometric shapes. Forging, on the other hand, is particularly suitable for the production of classic products such as buckles and other accessories for leather goods with medium-high production volumes, and less organic geometries.
CNC machining is divided into two macro areas: turning and milling. Turning is generally applied to articles with a substantially circular shape, while milling is applied to articles that can be obtained by geometry from slabs. CNC machining allows great flexibility and compliance with the reduced tolerances required in items from high leather goods, costume jewelry and more.
All AMF items are made with lead content of less than 90 mg/kg.
STEEL
We manufacture steel accessories when high mechanical hardness, exceptional corrosion resistance or special finishes are required, which can only be obtained through PVD treatments.
Machined by cold blanking/bending, forging/hot forging, and MIM (Metal Injection Molding), steel is the most expensive material, but also the one with the best characteristics. We mainly use AISI 316L type steel in order to guarantee good mechanical properties combined with excellent corrosion resistance.
However, our metallurgy expertise allows us to adapt the alloy to the customer's needs, for example by choosing a 174 pH steel for the production of vertiginous heels, subjected to particular deformation stress.
Thanks also to MIM systems, AMF is able to produce 3D printed items on the same line, avoiding injection from the mold, but sintering as if the article had been injection molded.
LEATHER AND ECO-LEATHER
We have a wide range of colors of leathers and eco-leathers certified for the chemical-physical properties required by the most restrictive technical specifications in the sector. The internal finishing department and the expertise of our tanning technicians also allows AMF to study leathers and eco-leathers on specific customer request.
If you want to combine our accessories with other leather components, we are available to work on leathers or semi-finished products supplied by the customer.
Thanks to AMF Lab, each batch of leather is tested to ensure adequate compatibility with metal accessories.
THERMOPLASTIC MATERIALS
The family of polymers used by AMF for its accessories is very wide. Starting from the classic materials that can be processed for injection molding such as Nylon, ABS and methacrylate up to the PVC used for the production of labels and flexible rubber inserts.
These materials possess different mechanical and aesthetic characteristics. Nylon is usually used for its mechanical strength. ABS is preferred for aesthetic applications by virtue of the possibility of being galvanized. Methacrylate, often also called synthetic crystal or plexi, is instead used when the goal is to have the effect of a precious stone or glass.
Thanks to the R&D department and AMF Lab, we have been active for some time in identifying alternative solutions to PVC and other polymers that are not very ecological, in order to provide products that comply with the strictest chemical standards without ever sacrificing aesthetics.
NATURAL AND DECORATIVE
The creativity of designers must not be curbed, which is why flexibility is one of AMF's core values.
Over the years, AMF has specialized in the coupling of the main materials with the most varied decorative materials, not only for costume jewelry, but also to make more common accessories such as a buckle or a button unique. We are able to create industrialized items with the decoration required by the customer, starting from classic rhinestones to natural materials such as wood / bamboo, horn and mother-of-pearl.