New Tools for Ceramic Extrusion: Developing Craft Experiments into Industrial Applications

Abstract

 This paper covers ongoing research into profile extrusion with ceramics and how new digital technologies can be used to facilitate innovation with the process, particularly focusing on tool making scenarios with the extrusion profiles (dies). The research was initiated as creative explorations within the author’s own craft practice, however the project has since developed into a UKRI funded project with multinational companies collaborating as research partners. The paper will provide a brief historical context of ceramic extrusion with coverage of the process in both the architectural ceramic industry and the craft sector. The paper will then outline the author’s creative experiments with the method and the use of 3D printing as the key technology for creating the extrusion dies. The paper will then describe developments in terms of transferring the knowledge from these experiments into potential applications in the architectural ceramic industry. 

The research has exposed challenges to expand the use of extrusion in terms of the availability of key equipment, such as extruding pugmills. In response to this situation, and as an integral part of the research project, a concept for a low-cost hydraulic extruding system has been developed, which will also be covered in this paper. This paper will conclude by the author providing reflections on how craft research has the potential to deliver innovation beyond its own disciplinary boundaries.