A plasma melting and deposition approach has been taken to produce particulate-reinforced metal matrix composite systems. Pre-mixed metal powders and ceramic particulates were injected into a plasma jet where they were rapidly heated. These traveling particles were deposited onto a metal substrate inserted in the plasma downstream. By melting the metal powders and maintaining the ceramic particulates in a solid form, a composite structure was produced upon impact with the substrate. Simple heat transfer calculations have been performed to explain the particle-plasma interactions in the moving jet. A number of experimental composite compositions have been produced and their microstructures have been characterized.