Materials
What Is a PFM Crown
PFM stands for Porcelain Fused to Metal. A PFM crown combines a porcelain outer layer with a metal substructure. The alloy can vary, so “PFM” describes its construction rather than guaranteeing a particular precious-metal content.
Reviewed by Ron Abboud, President, CrownMen Inc. · 2026
Structure
Porcelain forms the visible outer portion of a PFM crown, while metal forms the underlying structure. The term describes this combination, not the exact metal alloy beneath the porcelain.
Alloy Variability
A PFM is a construction type, not a guarantee of gold content. Some PFMs may contain precious metals, while others may use different alloys. The label alone cannot establish which metals a particular crown contains.
PFM means Porcelain Fused to Metal; PFG means Porcelain Fused to Gold. PFG identifies gold in the metal component, but neither name establishes a fixed metal percentage.
Recycling Eligibility
CrownMen can refine qualifying PFM material even when porcelain remains attached. You do not need to remove the porcelain to ask whether your material qualifies.
Confirm acceptance and current instructions before sending an unusual lot. The materials overview provides broader eligibility guidance.
How PFM Material Is Evaluated
CrownMen uses testing and assay to evaluate qualifying material. A restoration’s PFM designation or appearance cannot establish its exact precious-metal content.
The value of PFM scrap depends on the composition and quantity confirmed through evaluation, together with the applicable pricing basis and settlement terms. PFMs do not all have the same value.
For deeper process information, review CrownMen’s refining overview and how-it-works guide.
Questions to Ask
Before sending PFM material, ask questions that help you understand how it will be handled and evaluated.
- What alloy is present, and how will it be determined?
- How is the material tested?
- Can porcelain remain attached?
- What information will I receive about the results?
- How is the material settled?
Frequently Asked Questions
What does PFM stand for?
PFM stands for Porcelain Fused to Metal. A PFM crown has a porcelain outer layer over a metal substructure.
Does every PFM crown contain gold?
No. A PFM describes how a crown is constructed, not a particular alloy. Some PFMs may contain precious metals, while others may use different alloys.
What is the difference between a PFM and a PFG?
PFM means Porcelain Fused to Metal and does not identify a specific alloy. PFG means Porcelain Fused to Gold and identifies gold in the metal component, but not a fixed gold percentage.
Can CrownMen refine a PFM with porcelain attached?
Yes. CrownMen can refine qualifying PFMs with porcelain still attached. Confirm eligibility and current instructions before sending material.
How can the metal content of a PFM be determined?
CrownMen uses testing and assay to evaluate qualifying PFM material. The PFM label or appearance alone cannot establish its exact precious-metal content.
Does a PFM type alone determine its value?
No. Value depends on the actual material composition and quantity confirmed through evaluation, together with the applicable pricing basis and settlement terms.
References
This guide draws on the following CrownMen Blog articles.
Have PFMs or PFGs to evaluate?
Review the current materials overview and contact CrownMen for preparation guidance.