ceramic sector: embracing manufacturing processes, materials & new technology

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Investing in our common future Ceramic Sector: Embracing Manufacturing Processes, Materials and New Technology by Bryan Thomas MA FRSA FHEA University of Wales Trinity Saint David

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The EU Ceramics "industry represents an annual turnover of around €30 billion, accounting for approximately 25% of the global production" and it is also one of Europe's oldest industries. In this new research Bryan Thomas MA FRSA FHEA, seeks to highlight the potential for SME(s), Craft Makers, Designer and Artists to engage with Industrial Ceramic Manufacturing processes / materials & ... new digital technologies.

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Page 1: Ceramic Sector: Embracing Manufacturing Processes, Materials & New Technology

Investing in our common future

Ceramic Sector:

Embracing Manufacturing Processes, Materials

and New Technology

by Bryan Thomas MA FRSA FHEA

University of Wales Trinity Saint David

Page 2: Ceramic Sector: Embracing Manufacturing Processes, Materials & New Technology

Creative Industries Support Network

CISNET is led by Mayo County Council, Ireland, in partnership with WestBIC, Ireland; University of Wales Trinity Saint David, Wales; Eurocei, Spain; Technopole Quimper-Cornouaille, France and Adist, Portugal.

CISNET is supported by the European Regional Development Fund through the Atlantic Area Transnational Programme.

Investing in our common future

Page 3: Ceramic Sector: Embracing Manufacturing Processes, Materials & New Technology

Creative Industries Support Network

About This Report

This report is a research output from the CISNET project. This report examines the manufacturing processes, materials and new

technologies emerging in the European ceramic sector. This report draws on the authors extensive knowledge of this field

combined with research carried out at Ceramitec 2012 trade fair held in Munich Germany in May 2012. The Ceramitec trade fair is a

renowned international exhibition showcasing ceramic technology and solutions; 2012’s event brought together 613 exhibitors from

42 countries and 16,733 trade visitors.1 The intention of this report is to make the authors expertise and the innovations uncovered at

the Ceramitec exhibition available to a wider audience through the CISNET network.

About CISNET

The CISNET project is a support service to the creative and cultural industries that involves five regions across the Atlantic Area. In

each region the work of CISNET is conducted by regional partners, of whom there are six in total: Mayo County Council and WestBIC

in Ireland, Eurocei-Centro Europeo de Empresas e Innovación in Spain, Technopole Quimper-Cornouaille in France, University of

Wales Trinity Saint David in Wales and Adist in Portugal. The lead partner in the project is Mayo County Council and the work is

coordinated by The European Consulting Company, TECC.

The Project is supported by the European Regional Development Fund, ERDF, with further support from each of the regional

partners. CISNET is an INTERREG IVB project that sits within the Atlantic Area Transnational Programme; in particular it is founded

within this programme’s priority one Innovation Networks.

Further information on the CISNET project can be obtained at www.cisnetwork.eu.

1 Ceramitec 2012 Final Report, http://www.ceramitec.de/en/press/finalreport

Page 4: Ceramic Sector: Embracing Manufacturing Processes, Materials & New Technology

INTRODUCTION

This investigation seeks to highlight the potential for SME(s), Craft Makers, Designer and Artists to

engage with Industrial Ceramic Manufacturing processes / materials and the impact potential of NDT

(New Digital Technology) can offer. To pursue greater interaction and illustrate the creative potential

between Industry - Science - Engineering - Technology - Manufacturing - Craft - Design - Art,

embracing and encouraging industrial processes, manufacturing, greater scope for material

diversification and usage, automation and the hand made, with new digital technologies.

Substantial advancements and change have taken place in the Ceramic Industry with regard to

manufacturing processes and materials; additionally to these new digital technologies have created

further new opportunities for design, product development and potential for diversification in

manufacturing, especially water jet cutting, laser cutting, computer controlled milling machines, CNC

routing, 3D Printing, 3D Scanning and Digital Ceramic Printing.

Due to the breadth of the ceramic sector, new opportunities are possible, there are specialist ceramic

areas, with in some cases, unique and specific technical manufacturing processes and materials, such

as Technical Ceramics; Refractories; Tableware; Sanitary ware; Abrasives; Bricks and Tiles which

have to an extent been beyond the reach of many SME(s), Craft Makers, Designers and Artists.

Greater awareness, knowledge and understanding of such areas will substantially increase and assist

the potential for research and development, for the creation of new product(s) / artifact(s), material(s)

manipulation, new manufacturing processes and technology. This spirit of !risk", ambition, investigation

in conjunction with manufacturing technology, material diversification and new digital technology, such

as 3D Digital Production will indeed be a substantial and creative force.

Additionally this will also be of benefit for manufacturers, as the changing world order, with regard to

production will require producers to be more fluid, adaptable and responsive to world markets and

demands. This I believe must be developed collectively and not separately, taking lessons from our

own history by embracing the !creative energy" and !risk taking" spirit of the creative ceramic

innovators of the industrial revolution of the 17th and 18th centuries, to re-kindling this spirit in a

modern and contemporary context.

Page 5: Ceramic Sector: Embracing Manufacturing Processes, Materials & New Technology

HISTORICAL BACKGROUND

There was a tradition in Britain, primarily in Staffordshire, the Midlands for farmers to additionally make

pottery to improve their standard of living, due to rich deposits of clay materials quite close to the

surface, this resulted for some as their primary source of business, initially for the trade of making

butterpots. Before 1700, potters were criticised for digging holes to get clay from the roads, this

practice created the term !potholes", thankfully this fact seems to have been forgotten over time.

The industrial revolution owes a great deal to the craft industries of Britain and the developing

skill, confidence and enterprise of that age. Their ability to share skills across different craft

industries, for example silversmithing - fine metalworking techniques and skills were adapted and

utilised by the emerging embryonic ceramic industry. Led by craftsmen / businessmen such as

John Dwight and the Elers brothers at the end of the 17th century. This creative interaction

underpinned the developing ceramic industry leading to industrial innovators such as Thomas

Whieldon, John Sadler and Guy Green (1755) transfer prints to decorate pottery, Josiah

Wedgwood, Josiah Spode 1st & 2nd, William Copeland, Thomas Minton, William Billingsley

(Nantgarw & Swansea), John Rose (Colport), Dr John Wells & William Davis (Worcester),

Duesbury & John Heath (Derby) and later individuals such as Henry Doulton and Thomas

Twyford. Yet the !Craft" ethos of working with materials, skill, creativity, experimentation,

manufacturing processes and techniques was at the heart of their success, placing Britain at the

forefront during the Industrial Revolution.

Their drive and appetite for success fueled their increasing demand for improved infrastructure,

innovation and engineering to be able to not only compete but to dominate the global market. The

industrialist Josiah Wedgwood for example actively encouraged the construction of roads and

canals, which he considered essential to the expansion of British Industry. He cut the first sod of

the Trent and Mersey canal in 1766, on completion this provided the main route for the transport

of raw materials and finished products in and out of the !Potteries" (Stoke-on-Trent) and placing it

at the centre of an International Trade. In 1782 following James Watts" patent rotary motion steam

engine, Wedgwood ordered one for his Etruria works and this was installed in 1783. By 1795

Staffordshire had installed more Watt steam engines than any other county in Britain.

Page 6: Ceramic Sector: Embracing Manufacturing Processes, Materials & New Technology

The Eler brothers contribution to ceramic development was indeed substantial, but not widely

known; their significance was recognised by Josiah Wedgwood in a letter to his partner, Thomas

Bentley in 1777, highlighting their importance;

!The improvements Mr.Elers made in our manufactory were precisely these - glazing our common

clays with salt which produc"d Pot"d Grey or stoneware and after this they (the Elers) had left the

country was improved into White Stone Ware by using the white Pipe Clay instead of the common

clay of this Neighbourhood, and mixing with it Flint Stones calcin"d and reduced by pounding into

a fine powder.

The next improvement introduce"d by the Mr.E. was the refining of our common red clay by sifting,

and making it into Tea and Coffee ware in imitation of the Chinese Red Porcelain, by casting it in

plaster moulds, and turning it on the outside upon Lathes, and ornamenting it with the tea branch

in relief, the imitation of the Chinese manner of ornamenting this ware - for these improvements,

and very great ones they were for the time, we are indebted to the very ingenious Messrs. Elers,

and I shall gladly contribute all my power to honour their memories, and transmit to posterity the

knowledge of the obligations we owe them, but the some total certainly does not amount to

inventing the Art of Pottery in Britain".

By 1833, Enoch Wood"s factory was recorded as having over 1,000 employees. In the early 1840"s,

Copeland and Garrett employed 1,000 in a factory covering nearly 11 acres. By 1871 there were

seven potbanks (ceramic manufacturing factories) employing each between 500 – 1,000 workers. The

national average factory size at the time was 84.

Other regions of the United Kingdom were additionally fully embracing the Industrial Revolution,

such as the industrially concentrated region of South Wales. During the period of the Industrial

Revolution there were several industries of international significance, particularly copper and iron,

ceramics, tinplate manufacture and coal mining. The 1851 Census reveals that Wales was the

first country internationally to have more workers in industry than agricultural employment, making

the case for Wales to be identified as the world"s first industrial nation.

Page 7: Ceramic Sector: Embracing Manufacturing Processes, Materials & New Technology

EUROPEAN CERAMICS SECTOR

Today the European Union (EU) ceramic industry is an integral part of the Community"s economics

structure, and is perhaps one of the area"s oldest industries. It covers a wide range of sub-sectors

ranging from the more traditional (tableware, wall and floor tiles) to the more high-tech (technical and

refractory ceramics).

The EU ceramic industry is a world leader in producing value added, uniquely designed high quality

ceramic products manufactured by flexible and innovative companies, mainly SMEs. The ceramics

industry represents an annual turnover of around # 30 billion, accounting for approximately 25% of the

global production (#120 billion), and around 350,000 jobs throughout the EU.$

The major producing$ countries in the EU are Italy, Spain, Germany, the UK and France. Production in

the new Member States$of the EU appears to be strongest in the Czech Republic, Poland and

Hungary, which all have strong ceramics sectors and have traditionally exported to other EU countries.

The EU ceramic industry is export oriented with 30% of its productions sold outside the EU market. It

is generally competitive both domestically and on international markets. However, since the last

decade the market situation has changed considerably with the rise of low-cost products from new

competitors in emerging and developing countries (China, Brazil, India, United Arab Emirates) while

persisting trade barriers prevent effective access to important new markets.

The European Ceramic Industry Association

Page 8: Ceramic Sector: Embracing Manufacturing Processes, Materials & New Technology

European Ceramic Sector

Production Value 2005 - 2010

The European Ceramic Industry Association

Page 9: Ceramic Sector: Embracing Manufacturing Processes, Materials & New Technology

There is an estimated 23,500 number of contemporary craft making businesses in the UK.

Multiplying the number of businesses by the average craft-related income gives an estimated total annual income

(value) for all contemporary craft making businesses of £475 million within the UK.

This estimate of total income can be broken down by nations, based on the estimated number of businesses:

England: £339 million from 17,500 businesses;

Northern Ireland: £20 million from 1,050 businesses;

Scotland: £70 million from 3,350 businesses;

Wales: £28 million from 1,500 businesses.

As points of comparison from other creative industries, total revenues for London West End Theaters were £512 million

in 2010, while spending on music downloads in the UK was £316 million in the same year.

Crafts Council

UK CONTEMPORARY CRAFT MARKET

Page 10: Ceramic Sector: Embracing Manufacturing Processes, Materials & New Technology

INDUSTRIAL CERAMICS PRODUCTION PROCESSES, TECHNOLOGY, MATERIALS

I am not advocating that these areas replace existing making processes, materials and skills, but to be considered as a means to extend creative and production practices. To enable SME’s / Practitioners to develop and create work that otherwise would be either very difficult, impractical or impossible to make.To engage with new materials, processes and technology will indeed change the way Practitioners / SME’s perceive their practice and product, in addition to a different and possible better way of creating something.

It is common practice to consider manufacturing technologies as very functional processes, yet if you take a different viewpoint of technologies and materials, this will be very beneficial in the creative process. Through greater interaction with new materials, manufacturing processes and technologies, these can be developed, modified and adapted for the creation of other outcomes.

I embrace the fact that manufacturing processes, industrial materials, new technologies in marriage with what can be regarded as the historical - traditional processes, materials and tools can be utilised to the full by Practitioners / SME’s; to broaden the creative potential and to enable different ways of creating which will inevitably and positively lead to new original expansive work.

The examples highlighted are indeed just examples of some production processes, materials and technologies, that have the potential to be adopted and adapted by Practitioners / SME’s.

Page 11: Ceramic Sector: Embracing Manufacturing Processes, Materials & New Technology

JIGGER AND JOLLEYING

Jigger and Jolleying have been used in the production of pottery since at least the 18th century, in

large scale factory production, jigger and jolleying is fully automated. Jiggering is the process of

bringing a shaped tool head profile into contact with the plastic clay which is housed within a rotating

plaster mould on the machine. The jigger tool shapes one face, while the mould shapes the other,

jiggering is used only in the production of flat wares, such as plates, but a similar process - jolleying is

used to produce hollow-wares such as cups.

ROLLER-HEAD MACHINE

This manufacturing process is similar to jigger and jolleying, except with a rotary shaping tool

replacing the fixed tool head profile. The rotary shaping tool is a shallow cone, with the same diameter

as the object being made, forming the back of the ware being made, with the plaster mould forming

the inside shape. It was developed in the UK just after World War II by the company Service

Engineers, roller-heads were quickly adapted by manufacturers around the world and they are a

popular method for producing flatware.

Page 12: Ceramic Sector: Embracing Manufacturing Processes, Materials & New Technology

SLIP CASTING (LOW PRESSURE CASTING)

SLIP CASTING is used for mass

production of ceramics and is ideally

suited to the making of wares that

cannot be formed by other methods

of shaping. A liquid clay (SLIP) is

poured into plaster moulds and

allowed to cast for a casting period

of time to achieve the desired

thickness. Water from the slip is

absorbed by the moulds leaving a

layer of clay covering the internal

face of the mould, the excess slip is

poured out of the mould at the

desired casting time. After a short

period of time when the clay wall has

stiffened sufficiently, the mould is

split open and the cast object is then

removed.

Slip casting is widely used in

Tableware production, but especially

so in Sanitary ware manufacture,

where objects were traditionally

produced by the manual Bench

Casting process and by automated

Beam Casting and Pressure Casting

methods.

Bench Casting

Page 13: Ceramic Sector: Embracing Manufacturing Processes, Materials & New Technology

SLIP CASTING (LOW PRESSURE CASTING)

Beam Casting Tableware Bench Casting

Page 14: Ceramic Sector: Embracing Manufacturing Processes, Materials & New Technology

Above: “Shadow Of The Things You Know” sculpture, exhibited in Anya Gallaccio’s solo exhibition, at the Blum & Poe Gallery, Los Angeles, 2005 - 2006.

Right: “Who Can I Turn To If You Turn Away” sculpture, exhibited in the Anya Gallaccio “Comfort and Conversation” exhibition at the Annet Gelink Gallery, Amsterdam, 2008.

Since 2004 I have produced over 4,000 porcelain apples for several tree sculptures for the international & YBA Fine Artist, Anya Gallaccio. Produced by the slip casting process, new glaze development and Industrial Ceramics firing techniques.

Page 15: Ceramic Sector: Embracing Manufacturing Processes, Materials & New Technology

HIGH PRESSURE CASTING

Pressure casting was developed in the 1970!s for the

production of Sanitary ware, although more recently,

it has been applied to tableware.

Pressure casting reduces the water content in the

green part and increases its density and its cohesion.

The mould sections are made of polymer with a

mechanical strength and porosity greater than

plaster, as well as an elasticity allowing water

tightness of the mould under low clamping force.

They do not require drying between the various

castings. This computerised process provides high

productivity. It is now quite widely used in the industry

for production of sanitary ware and steadily

increasing within tableware.

There are two other casting methods that require

mentioning as they also significantly reduce the

setting time compared to traditional casting: vacuum

casting and centrifugation casting. The first method is

similar to pressure casting, but here the suspension

is sucked through the porous mould. In the second

method, the particles are driven by centrifugation

resulting in a high density deposit. Centrifugation

casting is used in the field of technical ceramics.

Page 16: Ceramic Sector: Embracing Manufacturing Processes, Materials & New Technology

RAM PRESSING

Ram Pressing was developed in the mid

1940"s by two ceramic engineering

graduates from Ohio State University,

USA.

This is a manufacturing process for

shaping ceramics, by pressing a bat of a

prepared clay body into a required shape

between two porous mould sections.

After pressing, compressed air is blown

through the porous mould sections

(halves) to release the shaped ware.

Firstly air is pumped into the lower

mould, pushing the clay onto the top

mould, the top mould die section then

moves up, a board is then placed under

the top mould die and compressed air is

introduced into the top die to release the

plastic clay object onto a board.

As illustrated.

Page 17: Ceramic Sector: Embracing Manufacturing Processes, Materials & New Technology

Dust Pressing

In 1840, Richard Prosser of Great Britain took out a patent for a technology which could press buttons

from clay dust. Herbert Minton took a share in the patent and used the technology, a hand operated

flywheel press which compacted clay dust between metal dies to press tiles was produced.

The dust pressing process is suitable for many ceramic and non-ceramic products. Almost any

ceramic powder can be pressed and, if needed, binders can be added to achieve added dry hardness.

A high percentage of ceramic tile is made by dust pressing, the tile industry is one of the biggest user

of ceramic materials, and the process is increasingly being used for plate and flatware production. It is

possible to layer dusts of different formulations into a mould and press them as a layered matrix. Many

high-technology parts are made by this method. Some of the advantages of this process are:

• Parts of tighter tolerance can be made;

• Less drying equipment (and therefore less energy consumption) and floor space are needed,

ware can be fired soon after forming;

• Cleaner shapes with smoother surfaces can be made;

• Changes in body plasticity is not nearly as big an issue;

• Clay mixes with coarse particles can be still be employed to create objects with smooth surfaces;

• Pressed items have much better dimensional stability and produce flat true shapes that can be

fired with less warping.

Page 18: Ceramic Sector: Embracing Manufacturing Processes, Materials & New Technology

EXTRUSION

In the ceramic extrusion process,

material is forced through a die, and

the designs, shapes, spaces (holes)

run in the direction of the extrusion.

The technique is widely used in Brick

and Roof Tile production and is also

used in Technical Ceramics.

Within Technical Ceramics the

forming process consists of forcing a

plastic mix of ceramic powder

through a constricting die to produce

elongated shapes that have a

constant cross-section. The powder

mix consists of a fine ceramic

powder with the appropriate addition

of binder(s) and plasticiser(s) to give

the desired flow properties

(rheology), either cold or when

heated prior to being forced through

the die.

CERAMITEC, Munich, May 2012

Page 19: Ceramic Sector: Embracing Manufacturing Processes, Materials & New Technology

EXTRUSION

CERAMITEC, Munich, May 2012

Page 20: Ceramic Sector: Embracing Manufacturing Processes, Materials & New Technology

TECHNICAL / PRECISION CERAMICS

Technical / Precision Ceramics uses a range of ceramic forming processes, such as die pressing, slip casting,

extrusion, cold isostatic pressing and new emerging processes such as injection moulding and tape casting.

Some traditional methods have additionally been refined to meet particular property requirements, such as hot

pressing, hot isostatic pressing and pressure casting.

Isostatic Pressing

Granular powder or die pressed compacts are loaded into a flexible air-tight container, typically polyurethane, then

placed in a closed pressure vessel filled with liquid and compacted by increasing the pressure within the vessel. The

pressure change takes place throughout the liquid, thus exerting a uniform applied pressure over the entire surface

area of the air-tight container. In this way, the material is uniformly compacted and will retain the general shape of the

flexible container, and any internal tooling profile.

Tape Casting

This process involves the casting of a slurry onto a flat moving carrier surface. The slurry usually consists of a ceramic

powder with the appropriate additions of solvents plasticisers and binders. The slurry passes beneath the knife edge as

the carrier surface advances along a supporting table. The solvents evaporate to leave a relatively dense flexible sheet

that may be stored on rolls or stripped from the carrier in a continuous process.

Hot Pressing

This forming technique is the simultaneous application of external pressure and temperature to enhance densification.

It is conducted by placing either powder or a compacted preform into a suitable die, typically graphite, and applying

uniaxial pressure while the entire system is held at an elevated temperature, e.g. 2000°C for SiC. Hot Pressing is only

suited to relatively simple shapes, with the components usually requiring diamond grinding to achieve the finished

surfaces and tolerances.

Die Pressing

This is by far the most widely used shaping technique for advanced ceramics and consists of the uniaxial compaction of

a granular powder during confined compression in a die.

Page 21: Ceramic Sector: Embracing Manufacturing Processes, Materials & New Technology

INJECTION MOULDING

This is a forming process adopted for the

ceramic sector from the established

method used for the forming of

thermoplastic. It has been called

Porcelain Injection Moulding - PIM or

Ceramic Injection Moulding - CIM, a

plastic mix is prepared and heated in the

barrel of the moulding machine until it is

at the correct temperature at which the

mix has a sufficiently low viscosity to

allow flow if pressure is applied.

Suitable for the mass production of

complex-shaped forms, the feed to the

mould die is a mix of unfired body in

powder form, together with organic

binders, a plunger is pressed against the

heated mixture forcing it through an

orifice and on into the tool cavity. The

moulded part is removed from the die

and the organic binder slowly burnt out in

a controlled atmosphere by means of a

carefully controlled heating schedule,

prior to sintering.

CERAMITEC, Munich, May 2012

Page 22: Ceramic Sector: Embracing Manufacturing Processes, Materials & New Technology

INJECTION MOULDING

CERAMITEC, Munich, May 2012

Page 23: Ceramic Sector: Embracing Manufacturing Processes, Materials & New Technology

TECHNICAL / PRECISION CERAMICS

Low Pressure Injection Moulding

Technology has moved forward greatly in recent years, were high volume ceramic components can be made

using injection moulding techniques.

Injection moulding of ceramic components has several major benefits over more traditional manufacturing

techniques such as die pressing and green machining.

Excluding the obvious; that it is a good technique for very high volume parts, injection moulding has also proved

to be an excellent technique for making components such as turbo charger rotors and thrust bearings which

would be too expensive if the parts were machined.

Low pressure injection moulding (LPIM) provides an excellent option for producing ceramic components using

low cost tools in comparison to high pressure moulding techniques.

The LPIM process enables fabrication of very complex shapes as well as simpler components. The essence of

the process is that parts can be produced with a higher level of integrated function to meet the customers needs

then other process are able to achieve.

Hot Isostatic Pressing

This technique involves sintering a compact at high temperature in a pressurised gas atmosphere. The compact

must either be impermeable to the pressurising gas or be encapsulated in a gas-tight container. In the former

case, powder compacts are first sintered to remove surface connected porosity. The use of hot isostatic pressing

leads to additional densification and increased strength in Technox Zirconias.

Green Machining

This technique is commonly applied to as-pressed parts which are still in a "chalky" condition. Common

metalworking machines are used to machine the part in this "soft" condition as greater material removal rates are

possible than by post sintering operations such as diamond grinding. As fired green machined components are

subject to maximum tolerances of +/- 1%. To achieve tighter tolerances diamond grinding must be employed.

Page 24: Ceramic Sector: Embracing Manufacturing Processes, Materials & New Technology

TECHNICAL / PRECISION CERAMICS

Sintering / Firing

Once the ceramic powder has been compacted and green machined (if required) the compacted ceramic powder is

usually around 50% of its final theoretical density. Full densification is achieved by sintering at temperatures up to

1800°C.

The sintering or firing process provides the energy to encourage the individual powder particles to bond or "sinter"

together to remove the porosity present from the compaction stages.

During the sintering process the "green compact" shrinks by around 40 vol %. However, this shrinkage is

predictable and can be accommodated.

Diamond Grinding

High levels of accuracy and surface finish can be achieved by diamond grinding. Tolerances of a few microns are

commonplace.

However, diamond grinding is a relatively expensive micro-machining process, consequently, if a design can be

produced to "as-fired" tolerances, the overall cost of the component is reduced.

Page 25: Ceramic Sector: Embracing Manufacturing Processes, Materials & New Technology

TECHNICAL / PRECISION CERAMICS

MATERIALSThe term !technical ceramics" embraces a wide range of advanced ceramic materials, developed and produced for

their excellent mechanical, electrical and thermal properties. These materials are recognised for their hardness,

physical stability, heat resistance, chemical inertness, biocompatibility and superior electrical properties. They are

highly resistant to melting, bending, stretching,corrosion and wear. Today"s advanced ceramic material also lend

themselves to mass production, offering a cost-effective engineering solution to a wide range of design challenges.

ALUMINA

Alumina ceramic is the most mature of the engineering ceramics, offering excellent electrical insulation properties

together with high hardness and good wear resistance but relatively low strength and fracture toughness. Alumina

Ceramics are generally white but may also be pink (88% alumina), or brown (96% Alumina). The colour is derived

from either the sintering additives or impurities in the raw materials. High purity alumina ceramics are ideal for

environments where resistance to wear and corrosive substances are required. Alumina ceramic has excellent

thermal stability, which means that it is widely used in areas where resistance to high temperatures is essential.

Alumina ceramic is the material of choice for alumina wear parts. The proven wear and heat resistance of alumina

wear parts makes them ideal for the manufacture of wear-resistant components. Alumina has a high melting point,

high hardness,although mechanical strength is reduced at temperatures above 1000 C. Due to the relatively large

coefficient of thermal expansion, thermal shock resistance is reduced. Alumina is an electrically insulating material,

with a high electrical resistivity, increasing with purity.

Page 26: Ceramic Sector: Embracing Manufacturing Processes, Materials & New Technology

TECHNICAL / PRECISION CERAMICS

SILICONE CARBIDE$

Silicon carbide is available in two forms, reaction bonded and sintered. Both materials are ultra hard and have a high

thermal conductivity. This has led to silicon carbide being used in bearing and rotary seal applications where the increased

hardness and conductivity improves seal and bearing performance.

Reaction bonded silicon carbide (RBSC) has good properties at elevated temperatures and can be used in refractory

applications. Silicon carbide materials exhibit good erosion and abrasive resistance, these properties can be utilised in a

variety of applications such as spray nozzles, shot blast nozzles and cyclone components.

Properties: High thermal conductivity; Low thermal expansion coefficient; Outstanding thermal shock resistance; Extreme

hardness;

Semiconductor; Refractive index greater than a diamond.

ZIRCONIA

'Zirconia – Ceramic steel" The title of the first scientific paper to highlight the possibilities offered by the "transformation

toughening" mechanism which occurs in certain zirconia ceramics. Since the publication of this seminal work in 1975,

considerable research, development, and marketing effort has been expended on this single material which offers the

traditional ceramic benefits of hardness, wear resistance and corrosion resistance, without the characteristic ceramic

property of absolute brittleness.

Mechanical and Physical Properties

The fundamental properties of zirconia ceramics which are of interest to the engineer or designer are: high strength, high

fracture toughness, high hardness, wear resistance, good frictional behaviour, non-magnetic, electrical insulation, low

thermal conductivity, corrosion resistance in acids and alkalis, modulus of elasticity similar to steel, coefficient of thermal

expansion similar to iron.

In common with all other engineering ceramics, the attainment of the above properties is largely dependent on both the

starting powders and the fabrication techniques.

Page 27: Ceramic Sector: Embracing Manufacturing Processes, Materials & New Technology

TECHNICAL / PRECISION CERAMICS

SILICONE NITRIDE

Silicon Nitride, like Silicone Carbide, is also available in two main types, reaction bonded and sintered.

Silicon nitride is an electrical insulator and is resistant to attack by many molten metals. With low thermal

conductivity and excellent thermal shock resistance, silicon nitride is used in many RF heating applications

where the material is in contact with hot metal parts.

The high strength of sintered silicon nitride has found many applications in the automotive and machine tool

industries for bearing and wear parts which run in very arduous abrasive environments.

BORON CARBIDE

Hot-pressed boron carbide is one of the hardest materials available in commercial shapes, and gives

outstanding resistance to abrasive wear. Boron Carbide can be polished to a mirror finish and has good

resistance to acids. It is refractory and chemically inert, but less resistant to oxidation than silicon carbide.

Boron Carbide tends to contain second-phase graphite and it is this property which has a major influence on

the strength of the material.

Properties: Low thermal conductivity; Susceptible to thermal shock failure; Outstanding hardness; Extremely

brittle; Semiconductor; Good thermal-neutron capture.

Page 28: Ceramic Sector: Embracing Manufacturing Processes, Materials & New Technology

TECHNICAL / PRECISION CERAMICS

Tape Ceramic Technology

CERAMITEC, Munich, May, 2012

Page 29: Ceramic Sector: Embracing Manufacturing Processes, Materials & New Technology

TECHNICAL / PRECISION CERAMICS

Tape Ceramic Technology

CERAMITEC, Munich, May, 2012

Page 30: Ceramic Sector: Embracing Manufacturing Processes, Materials & New Technology

TECHNICAL / PRECISION CERAMICS

Extruded Ceramic Technology

CERAMITEC, Munich, May,

2012

Page 31: Ceramic Sector: Embracing Manufacturing Processes, Materials & New Technology

TECHNICAL / PRECISION CERAMICS

Fraunhofer Institute for Ceramic

Technology and Systems IKTS

CERAMITEC, Munich, May,

2012

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TECHNICAL / PRECISION CERAMICS

Extruded and Pressed Ceramic Technology

CERAMITEC, Munich, May, 2012

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TECHNICAL / PRECISION CERAMICS

Mould injected and Pressed

Ceramic Technology

CERAMITEC, Munich, May, 2012

Page 34: Ceramic Sector: Embracing Manufacturing Processes, Materials & New Technology

NEW DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY

For more than 25 years computer based engineering and design systems have transformed product

design, research and development processes for the better. As a Product Designer for Stelrad Doultan

and MB Caradon during the 1980"s and 1990"s, I was part of a small group of designers and

researchers driving CAD-CAM and 3D surface meshing within the sanitary ware industry for

developing and creating new product. Since then systems have moved on at a pace, such as

advancements in 3-dimensional computer aided design (CAD), computer aided manufacturing (CAM),

rapid prototyping / manufacturing, image manipulation software, virtual prototyping, onscreen

visualisation, digital photography, digital ceramic printing, 3D and laser scanning, water jet cutting,

laser cutting, computer controlled milling machines and CNC routing. These have transformed

creativity, conceptualisation, visualisation, prototyping, product development, evaluations and

dramatically reduced and affected time scales for the better.

With regard to 3D Printing, which is another term for Rapid Prototyping (RD) or Rapid Manufacturing

(RM) or Additive Layer Manufacturing (ALM) or Additive Manufacturing (AM) is a method of creating

three dimensional objects using a specifically designed printer. In place of !ink" a continuous flow of

material, commonly polyamide or nylon is layered to create a 3D form based on a computer drawn

object / image. Early uses of 3D Printing were developed for creating prototypes as the process,

although costly, is quicker than producing a handmade model. Today the cost of 3D printing machines

are falling, recently a manufacturer has launched a 3D printer for £750. More recently, rapid

prototyping technology is being used to produce !finished", end products and designs. Printing

technologies now have the capacity to print a spectrum of materials, such as sand, plaster, ceramic

(clay) - that then can be fired in kilns, wax - for the lost wax casting process, metal - that can sintered

after printing.

Page 35: Ceramic Sector: Embracing Manufacturing Processes, Materials & New Technology

With regard to Rapid Manufacturing, Dr Phil Reeves in his CERAM 2008 report “Rapid Manufacturing for the production of Ceramic Components” states that:

“Rapid Manufacturing is being championed by some as one of the most exciting emerging and enabling technologies of the 21st Century. It has even been postulated that RM may in-fact stimulate an industrial revolution for the digital age. Rapid Manufacturing (RM) is the name given to the production of ‘series’ or ‘end-use’ component parts made using ‘Additive Layer Manufacturing’ (ALM) processes. Traditionally (and historically), ALM processes were used to manufacture prototypes and casting patterns. However, recent advances in ALM technologies and materials, now allow us to manufacture parts for a variety of production applications in polymers, metals and progressively ceramics. RM is seen by many as one of the most important emerging technologies that will drive the future manufacturing economy. Because RM uses layer-wise manufacturing, many of the traditional Design for Manufacture (DFM) principles no longer need apply. Therefore, RM components can be manufactured with no split lines, or with complex internal and re-entrant features. RM also allows for significant part consolidation, reducing manufacturing, assembly and inspection costs. One of the most notable advantages of RM is the potential elimination of tooling. Without the constraints of tooling, jigs and fixtures, RM provides manufacturers the ability to produce cost effective batch sizes of ‘one’, or the ability to manufacture parts at multiple locations. Many business benefits can therefore be attributed to the adoption of RM, including the reduction or elimination of fixed assets such as mould tooling, jigs and fixtures and cutting tools, thus resulting in reduced capital investment. RM can also reduce or eliminate many stages of the traditional supply chain, which reduces risk, lead times, inventory and supply chain transaction and logistics costs. Additionally, RM allows for the manufacture of topologically optimized components, producing parts that are ‘manufactured-for-design’, as opposed to ‘designed-for-manufacture’, enabling the manufacture of high value products with improved performance characteristics. Because RM parts are made using additive manufacturing technologies, as opposed to subtractive machining or formative moulding processes, in some cases, little if any waste material is generated. Additive manufacturing processes are therefore lean, yet agile, allowing the manufacture of low volume batches of component parts, with little manual intervention. In recent years, there has been a sharp increase in the number of companies investigating the use of RM across a broad range of industrial sectors. Examples of RM applications include aerospace, motorsport and automotive components, packaging, medical implants, hearing aid shells and surgical guides, and consumer products such as light shades, furniture and even football boots. Although clearly of interest to the manufacturing community, RM remains a nascent technology that is being exploited by only a small number of companies globally. Moreover, the production of ceramic layer manufactured parts for end-use applications remains in its infancy. However, processes and materials are being developed that will see RM being used in the consumer goods and toy industries, the table and giftware industry, the construction industry, bio medical industry, the renewable energy sector and the aerospace and automotive sectors”.

Practitioners / SME’s will however be focusing on the materials in addition to the technology, as their product will be made in their chosen material, especially within ceramics and the numerous characteristics ceramic materials posses. It is their knowledge in unity with technology that will enable the successful creation of end product.

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3D CERAMIC PRINTING

SAND TABLE

by Assa Ashuach

2011

The Sand Table is the first prototype from

the collaboration between Assa Ashuach

and Enrico Dini. 3D Printing using sand as

a material introduces several dramatic

benefits. Sand is a found material that

when mixed with adhesives becomes hard,

like concrete. Using 3D design and

software technology the table can be

customised by the user - so personalisation

of both form and function . It could become

a coffee table or scale up and transform to

be a bar or a dinning surface. The sand 3D

Printing technology is developed by Enrico

Dini of 3D Shape.

Send to Print / Print to Send Exhibition

The Aram Gallery, London.

January - February 2012

Page 37: Ceramic Sector: Embracing Manufacturing Processes, Materials & New Technology

3D CERAMIC PRINTING

SOLAR SINTER EXPERIMENTS

by Markus Sinter

2011

These glass test pieces / experiments were produced in

the desert, using the raw material and the energy of the

sun to create them. Using a 3D printing process that

combined natural energy and material with high-tech

production technology.

Send to Print / Print to Send Exhibition

The Aram Gallery, London.

January - February 2012

Page 38: Ceramic Sector: Embracing Manufacturing Processes, Materials & New Technology

3D CERAMIC PRINTING

SOLAR SINTER EXPERIMENTS by Markus Sinter, 2011

Send to Print / Print to Send Exhibition

The Aram Gallery, London.

January - February 2012

Page 39: Ceramic Sector: Embracing Manufacturing Processes, Materials & New Technology

3D CERAMIC PRINTING

UNFOLD

L"Artisan Electronique

by Unfold and Tim Knapen

2010 - 2011

The printing process imitates the traditional coiling

techniques used by ceramicists, in which the form is built

up by stacking coils of clay. The virtual pottery wheel on

the other hand, is a digital, tool to !turn" forms and

objects in thin air.

Stratigraphic Cups by Unfold

To make ceramic objects, Unfold created a 3d-printer

which is based on the Open Source Reprap printer, with

the goal of turning it into a clay printer. These

Stratigraphic Cups are the first objects made on the 3d-

printer for real use. The cups were printed in a limited

edition, with a white porcelain transparent glaze inside.

Send to Print / Print to Send Exhibition

The Aram Gallery, London.

January - February 2012

Page 40: Ceramic Sector: Embracing Manufacturing Processes, Materials & New Technology

3D CERAMIC PRINTING

Send to Print / Print to Send Exhibition

The Aram Gallery, London.

January - February 2012

Page 41: Ceramic Sector: Embracing Manufacturing Processes, Materials & New Technology

3D CERAMIC PRINTING

The use of 3D Printing

to create a scaled down

model of a new sanitary

ware manufacturing

plant.

This manufacturing plant

was constructed in

2010-11 and is today in

full production in eastern

europe.

CERAMITEC, Munich,

May, 2012

Page 42: Ceramic Sector: Embracing Manufacturing Processes, Materials & New Technology

3D CERAMIC PRINTING

CERAMITEC, Munich, May, 2012

Page 43: Ceramic Sector: Embracing Manufacturing Processes, Materials & New Technology

3D CERAMIC PRINTING

CERAMITEC, Munich, May, 2012

Page 44: Ceramic Sector: Embracing Manufacturing Processes, Materials & New Technology

TRADITIONAL AND DIGITAL TRANSFER PRINTING

John Sadler with Guy Green developed transfer printing onto pottery which effectively revolutionised the then

fledgling ceramic industry. Sadler and Green were newspaper proprietors in Liverpool and are credited with the

commercial introduction of transfer printing onto pottery and in particular, tiles. In 1756 they swore an affidavit

that they had printed 'upwards of twelve hundred earthenware tiles of different patterns' within the space of 6

hours. Soon after, other potteries introduced the technique, which made printed pottery easy and cheap to produce

for the mass market. Apparently the idea came from John Sadler watching local children playing in the potteries’

area in Liverpool and sticking bits of cast-off printing onto shards of pottery. From 1761 Josiah Wedgwood sent

blank pottery to Sadler and Green to be printed.

The process that they developed was such that a design / pattern is etched onto a copper plate, the plate is then

inked with ceramic pigments and the image transferred to a special tissue paper. The inked tissue is then placed on

the bisque fired ceramic object, fired to fix, then glazed and fired again.

This traditional and highly skilled hand decorating process is still being used by some practitioners, but most

notably by the manufacturer Burleigh Pottery, Stoke-on-trent, which is part of the Denby Group. At Burleigh the

tissue paper is printed from a hand-engraved copper roller and then carefully cut out, the tissue is then applied to

the biscuit ware, and is then rubbed on with a brush and soft soap. The tissue paper is then washed off leaving the

pattern transferred onto the biscuit ware, the piece is then fired to harden on the pattern, then glazed and fired for a

third time, leaving the pattern under the glaze.

Other ceramic printing processes such as silk screen and lithography are industry standard, however a new method

is quickly developing and establishing itself, which is digital transfer printing. This system uses converted laser

printers and based on a four colour printing system using ceramic pigments, cyan, magenta, yellow and black or

red, cyan, yellow and black. However, at this moment in time it does have limitations to produce certain colours.

Please refer to a companies such as CERAMICdigital, Digital Ceramics and FotoCeramic, Stoke-on-Trent for more

specific equipment and material information.

Page 45: Ceramic Sector: Embracing Manufacturing Processes, Materials & New Technology

A Peasant Having his Tooth Extracted. The English Cook.

The tiles are printed from copper plates by Guy Green (d1799), John Sadler’s partner, after Sadler’s retirement in 1770.

British Museum

Tissue Paper Transfers

Page 46: Ceramic Sector: Embracing Manufacturing Processes, Materials & New Technology

Salt-glazed stoneware, transfer-printed, English, Staffordshire, about 1770, printedby Sadler & Green, Liverpool.

British Museum

“The Huntsman and Hounds”, the Aesop’s Fables.Cream-coloured earthenware, moulded, transfer-printed, painted English, Staffordshire, Burslem, Josiah Wedgwood, about 1771-5, printedby Guy Green, Liverpool.

Tissue Paper Transfers

Page 47: Ceramic Sector: Embracing Manufacturing Processes, Materials & New Technology

French Revolution & Napoleonic War Propaganda ware, transfer printed. 18th century.

British Museum

Tissue Paper Transfers

Page 48: Ceramic Sector: Embracing Manufacturing Processes, Materials & New Technology

CONCLUSION

There is much potential for SME"s, artists, craftspeople and designers to collaborate with industry,

technology, science, engineering, manufacturers; to initiate and identify manufacturing and

production processes, new digital technologies and to investigate new product possibilities for the

development of new products / artifacts. Additionally to collaborate, influence and inform

manufacturers and make them further consider their decision-making capacity, product diversity,

product placement and character of their product range, to further broaden the creative economy

and encourage manufacturing growth. To expand awareness of manufacturing processes, the

potential for new different quality product and to increase links between creative individuals,

digital technology and the manufacturing sector.

There is substantial potential for new state of the art industrial manufacturing processes and New

Digital Technology, and a recognised value for both new and traditional materials and techniques

of the manufacturing sectors. We must embrace the possibilities of the creative process and to

enhance the potential for new product development, creating new markets when historically and

presently they have not been identified. Manufacturers need to note the positive outcomes of

working and interacting with other sectors, to embrace other technologies, manufacturing

processes, materials and skills; to encourage manufacturers to create new product through

collaboration by working across manufacturing sectors through catalysts such as creative

practitioners. Industry and manufacturers require to engage further with craftspeople, especially

with in many cases due to their unique and specific knowledge and understanding of material(s)

and their skill factor in working with and manipulating materials. The potential this knowledge, skill

and understanding will bring additional significant benefit to manufacturers, to influence

technology and production.

Page 49: Ceramic Sector: Embracing Manufacturing Processes, Materials & New Technology

A quote from Keith Vasie MP, Minister for Culture, Communications and the Creative Industries at

the Crafts Council, Assemble 2012, September conference;

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).<'.B.1+'2$(#@#03/*#'2)6$,3&4$+(+/2.'<$+'($&).'<$,3&4$5'370#(<#$3%$2"#$FG)2$1#'2&4,$23$)24#21"$

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<4#+2$2.*#$%34$/32#'2.+0$%34$.''3@+2.3'6$)1.#'1#6$2#1"'303<,$+'($#'<.'##4.'<$+'($D$"3/#$,3&$7.00$

/0+,$,3&4$%&00$/+42$.'$(4.@.'<$2"+2$%347+4(C$I

The changing face of world markets with manufacturers becomes less loyal to historical centers,

especially within an increasingly competitive sector such as ceramics, as observed with the very

recent manufacturing developments within countries such as India, China, Turkey, Egypt, Brazil.

Yet the accusation of new personal wealth, especially for the middle and upper classes of these

emerging developing countries, indicates a demand for more sophisticated and high end market

product and this factor must not be lost due to dithering.

The sad decline and demise of the UK"s historical and traditional ceramic centre, Stoke-on-Trent

as a world manufacturing force has the potential to allow the creation of new centers, however the

creative spirit and the adventure of risk must be embraced.

Page 50: Ceramic Sector: Embracing Manufacturing Processes, Materials & New Technology

REFERENCES

REPORTS, DOCUMENTS, WEBSITES

• Anarkik 3D, Software, http://www.anarkik3d.co.uk/

• Assa Ashuach, 3D Printing, Product Design, http://www.assaashuach.com/ http://blog.assaashuach.com/

• Assemble 2012, The Crafts Council Conference, http://www.assemble.org.uk/

• Autonomatic, (2009), www.autonomatic.org.uk/team/index.html

• Bits from Bytes, UK, 3D Printers http://www.bitsfrombytes.com/

• Bridgeport Milling Machines, USA, http://www.bpt.com/

• CERAMICdigital, Ceramic Digital Transfers, Stoke-on-Trent, http://www.ceramicdigital.co.uk/

• Crafts Council, (2004), “Making it in the 21st Cenury Survey 2002-2003”

• Crafts Council, (2009), “The Craft Blueprint” www.ccskills.org.uk/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=6cMoZSldVOA%3D&amp;tabid=97

• CERAM, Materials Technology, Stoke-on-Trent, http://www.ceram.com/

• Cerame-Unie / European Ceramic Industry Association www.ceramunie.eu/

• CeRamiCa project, http://ceramicaproject.eu/download/98/ceramica_FINAL_policy_recommendations.pdf

• Coherent Inc, USA, Laser cutting and machining tools, http://www.coherent.com/Products/index.cfm?1899/Laser-Cutting-and-Machining-Tools

• Cubify3D Systems, USA, 3D Printing Systems http://cubify.com/cube/index.aspx

Page 51: Ceramic Sector: Embracing Manufacturing Processes, Materials & New Technology

• Digital Ceramics, Digital Ceramic Transfer Printing, Stoke-on-Trent. http://digitalceramics.com/

• DLR, Institute of Materials Research, Koln-Porz, Germany, http://www.dlr.de/wf/en/ http://www.dlr.de/wf/en/desktopdefault.aspx/tabid-2741/4140_read-6151/

• Dynamic Ceramic, Precision Engineering Ceramics, Crewe. http://www.dynacer.com/

• European Ceramic Industry Association. www.ceramenuie.eu/

• FOTO Ceramic, Digital Ceramic Transfer Printing, Stoke-on-Trent, http://www.fotoceramic.com/

• FRAUNHOFER IKTS, Institute for Ceramic Technology and Systems, Dresden, http://www.ikts.fraunhofer.de/en/

• FWC Sector Competitiveness Studies -”Competitiveness of the Ceramic Sector” ec.europa.eu/enterprise/.../finalreport_ceramics_131008_en.pdf

• INMATEC, CIM / PIM- Ceramic / Porcelain Injection Moulding, Rheinbach, Germany, http://www.inmatec-gmbh.com/cms/index.php/en/shaping

• Larsen, P., Moss, R., Lewis, A., (2009) “The Use of New Design Technologies in Welsh Based Art & Craft Businesses” Final Report for the Academics for Business Expertise Grant funded by the Welsh Assembly Government, June 2010.

• Manor Architectural Ceramics UK, Architectural ceramics, digital printing on ceramics. www.manorceramics.co.uk

• Mantec Technical Ceramics, Stoke-on-Trent, http://www.mantectechnicalceramics.com/

• Markus Kayser, Solar Sinter / 3D Printing, http://www.markuskayser.com/work/solarsinter/

• Marshall, J., Bunnell, K. (2009) “Developments in Post Industrial Manufacturing Systems and their Implications for Craft and Sustainability”. In Making Futures: the Crafts in the Context of Emerging Global Sustainability Agendas, Vol 1 2009.

• Materials: Processes, Properties and Applications, edited by Philippe Boch & Jean Claude Niepce, 2008, ISTE Publishing.

REFERENCESREPORTS, DOCUMENTS, WEBSITES

Page 52: Ceramic Sector: Embracing Manufacturing Processes, Materials & New Technology

• Mephisto 3D Pro, 3D Scanners, Belgium, http://www.4ddynamics.com/3d-scanners/

• Metropolitan Works, London Metrapolitan University http://www.metropolitanworks.org/

• Mike Smith Studio (MSS), Design and Fabrication http://www.mikesmithstudio.com/

• MIT Media Lab, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA, http://www.media.mit.edu/research/groups/mediated-matter

• Morgan Technical Ceramics, http://www.morgantechnicalceramics.com/

• 3M NEXTEL, Ceramics Textiles and Composites, USA, http://www.3m.com/market/industrial/ceramics/

• PCL Ceramics, Ceramic Manufacturing Equipment & Systems, Norfolk, http://www.pclceramics.com/

• PDR, The National Centre for Product Design and Development Research, Cardiff, http://pdronline.info/

• Precision Ceramics, Birmingham, http://www.precision-ceramics.co.uk/

• Rapitypes, New Product Development, http://www.rapitypes.com/

• Reeves, P., (2008), “Rapid Manufacturing for the Production of Ceramic Components”. Research Report, CERAM, Stoke on Trent, UK.

• SACMI, Ceramics Manufacturing Machinery, HQ, Imola, Italy, http://www.sacmi.com/

• Unfold, Belgium, 3D Porcelain Printing www.unfold.be

• UWE & Denby Pottery Group, UK, 3D Ceramic Printing www.uwe.ac.uk/sca/research/cfpr

• ZCorp, 3D Printers, USA, http://www.zcorp.com/en/Products/3D-Printers/spage.aspx

REFERENCESREPORTS, DOCUMENTS, WEBSITES

Page 53: Ceramic Sector: Embracing Manufacturing Processes, Materials & New Technology

CONFERENCES, TRADE FARES, EXHIBITIONS & MEETINGS

• CERAMIC PRACTICE AS RESEARCH - Symposium: British Ceramics Biennial Staffordshire University + Spode manufacturing site, Stoke-on-Trent - October 2011 http://www.britishceramicsbiennial.com/plan-your-visit/whats-on/event/research-practice-symposium/

• ASSEMBLE 2012 - TheCrafts Council Conference, RIBA, London - September 2012. http://www.assemble.org.uk/

• SPRING FARE INTERNATIONAL - Trade Fare, NEC, Birmingham - February 2012 www.springfair.com

• KBB - Kitchen, Bedrooms, Bathrooms - Trade Fare, NEC, Birmingham - March 2012 www.kbb.co.uk

• CERAMITEC 2012 - Trade Fare, Messe Munchen, Munich, Germany - May 2012 http://www.ceramitec.de/en

• MAISON & OBJET - Trade Fare, Paris Norde Villepinte, Paris, France - September 2012 http://www.maison-objet.com/

• SEND TO PRINT / PRINT TO SEND Exhibition, The Aram Gallery, London - January - February 2012 http://www.thearamgallery.org/2012/01/send-to-print-print-to-send/

• LAB CRAFT -Digital Adventures in Contemporary Crafts; Touring Exhibition, Oriel Myrddin, Carmarthen - March - April 2012 http://www.labcraft.org.uk/

• QUEENSBERRY HUNT: Ceramic Design; Ceramics Gallery, Room 146, Victoria and Albert Museum, London - April - September 2012 http://www.vam.ac.uk/content/exhibitions/exhibition-british-design/v-and-a-british-design-season-displays/

• Meeting with Design to Print, Stoke-on-Trent - Digital Ceramic Transfer Printing - April 2012

• Meeting with Design Director - Richard Eaton + Design Team, Denby Pottery Group - June 2012

• Meeting with Group (European) Manager for Innovation and Design - Simon Hopps, SANITEC Group- June 2012

• Meeting with Creative Director- David Sanderson of Flux - Staffordshire University, Maison & Objet Trade Fair, Paris - September 2012