Solid free-form fabrication in fired ceramic as a design aid for concept modelling in the ceramic industry

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This proposal is for a follow on project for research developed from the AHRC funded three-year research project 'The Fabrication of Three Dimensional Art and Craft Artefacts through Virtual Digital Construction and Output.' One of the goals of the project was to move 3D printing from making replica prototypes to creating actual objects in ceramics. The investigators Huson and Hoskins developed a patented ceramic material consisting of a 3D printable ceramic body. Taking the concept of rapid prototyping from modelling in plaster or plastic, through to designing, printing, firing and glazing a finished item in a ceramic body. Huson and Hoskins are currently at the forefront of these developments as testified by the interest from the following, companies Z Corporation (ZCorp), Johnson Matthey PLC, Viridis LLC and Denby Retail Ltd (Denby), all of whom are interested in pursuing research developed from this project. In this instance the research team propose to work in partnership with Denby on an innovative project that extends the patented results developed in the above research. Denby are one of the UK's best known and longest surviving ceramic tableware manufacturers. Founded in 1806 they are best known for their high quality oven-to-tableware and their innovate glazing technology. Denby control all aspects of their manufacture in-house from concept to completion. They are already experienced users of both 3D design software for ceramics and the Zcorp 3D printing systems (also used by the research team) for plaster and plastic prototypes. Any testing and development regime in the proposed project will not be hampered by problems of using unfamiliar technology. The ability to print directly in a compatible ceramic material that could be rapidly glazed and decorated would be a quantum leap in this process for Denby. This project is to undertake a feasibility study to prove the viability of 3D printed ceramic bodies as a design tool for concept modelling of tableware, the researchers need to develop an understanding of both the design considerations required for commercial ceramics and the particular constraints inherent in producing 3D printed ceramic tableware. In order to produce larger items, the design of the physical sectional profile of ceramic articles for 3D printing needs to move forward from that found in conventional ceramics. This research will identify through iteration and development with Denby's designers what form that profile needs to take in relation to a conventional robustly constructed commercial ceramic artefact. Further to the construction of the ceramics there is a need to use ceramic firing supports and their advantages in the production of one off ceramic design concept models. Once a ceramic 3D printed object can be created and fired without losing its shape in the firing. Outcomes of the project will include a small number of invited artists and postgraduate students making bespoke one-off pieces in collaboration with UWE and Denby. The works will be developed at two seminar/workshop days and will demonstrate the potential of the process. The results will be written up and published as case studies. Other outcomes will include conference papers and a journal article. All results will also be published on the CFPR website.