Discover the world of ceramics: everything you need to know | Your ultimate ceramic guide

Ceramic is a universal material that is used for tableware, tiles and even in high technology.

1. Definition of ceramics

Ceramic is a versatile material made from natural raw materials such as clay, kaolin and feldspar.

The material achieves its final strength and hardness through various shaping processes and subsequent firing.

Good to know: Ceramics are known for their resistance to heat, wear and chemical attack, making them an important material in a variety of applications.

2. Overview of advantages and disadvantages of ceramics

2.1 Benefits

• heat resistance
• Chemical resistance
• wear resistance
• Electric Isolation
• Aesthetic Diversity
• environmental friendliness
• Easy to clean

2.2 Disadvantages of ceramics

• Possibly brittle and prone to breakage if manufactured incorrectly
• Be careful when editing
• Possibly heavy with a high weight
• Higher cost compared to some other materials

3. Manufacture of pottery

3.1 Clay and its properties

Clay is the main raw material for making pottery. It is formed by the weathering of rocks and consists of fine mineral particles.

Due to its plasticity, clay is easy to shape and model.

The drying and firing process causes the clay particles to fuse together, creating a solid, hard structure.

3.2 Forming Process

There are various methods of shaping ceramics into the desired shape.

Some of the most common procedures are:

3.3 Hand Shaping

The clay is formed and modeled with the hands. This method is particularly suitable for individual pieces and artistic works.

3.4 Potters Wheel

Symmetrical shapes such as pots or bowls can be produced with the help of a rotating disc. The clay is evenly distributed around the axis of rotation of the disc and shaped with the hands.

3.5 Casting process (casting process)

In the casting process, liquid clay is poured into a plaster mold. After drying, the mold is removed and the ceramic piece remains.

This process enables the serial production of identical objects such as:

• vases
• Plate
• flowerpots
• bowls
• cups

3.6 Burning Process

The firing process is crucial to the final strength and hardness of the ceramic.

The shaped clay objects are fired in a kiln at high temperatures.

There are two main firing stages:

3.7 Raw firing

The raw firing is the first firing process in which the ceramic is fired at temperatures of around 600-900 degrees Celsius. The water contained in the clay is completely removed and the ceramic retains its basic strength.

3.8 Glaze firing

In glaze firing, the ceramic is fired at even higher temperatures (1000-1300 degrees Celsius) to achieve its final strength and density.

Before this step, a glaze is often applied to the object, which melts during glaze firing and creates a smooth, shiny surface.

4. Applications of ceramics

4.1 Everyday objects such as vases and plates

Ceramics can be found in many everyday objects, such as crockery, tiles and vases. Their durability, resistance and versatile design possibilities make them a popular material for these applications.

4.2 Art and Sculpture

Ceramics have been used in art for thousands of years.

Numerous examples of ceramic sculpture and artwork can be found in both ancient and modern art.

4.3 Technical Applications

Ceramics are also used in technology, for example as electrical insulators, in space travel or in engines.

Their heat resistance, wear resistance and chemical stability make them a suitable material for demanding applications.

4.4 Tools for ceramic processing

Tools for processing ceramics	Description
Cutting disc for ceramics	A thin, diamond-tipped cutting disc that mounts on an angle grinder or tile cutting machine to make precise cuts in ceramic slabs and ceramic tiles .
Diamond burs for ceramics	A special drill with a diamond-coated tip used to drill holes in ceramic surfaces without damaging or breaking them.
Diamond grinding pads	Flexible diamond coated abrasive pads used to grind and polish ceramic surfaces to make them smooth or shiny . They are available in different grits to cover different grinding and polishing needs.

Types of ceramics and their properties

There are different types of ceramics that differ in their properties and areas of application.

Some examples are:

• Stone fired, earthenware has a porous structure and is less strong than other types of ceramics. It is often used for tableware and decorative objects.
  
• Stoneware : Fired at higher temperatures than earthenware, stoneware has a denser, harder structure. It is waterproof and works well for commodities such as crockery and garden pottery.
  
• Porcelain : Porcelain consists of kaolin, feldspar and quartz and is fired at very high temperatures. It is characterized by its fine, white structure and translucency. Porcelain is used for high quality tableware, art objects and technical applications.
  
• Technical ceramics : This group includes special types of ceramics developed for demanding technical applications. They have exceptional properties such as high strength, wear resistance or electrical insulation.

Summary and conclusion

Ceramic is a versatile and durable material made from natural raw materials such as clay, kaolin and feldspar.

The material acquires its strength and hardness through various shaping processes and subsequent firing.

Ceramics are used in many applications, from everyday objects to art and technical applications. The different types of ceramics offer different properties and possible uses.

FAQs - The most frequently asked questions about ceramics

1. What are the main components of ceramics? The main components of ceramics are clay, kaolin and feldspar. Depending on the type of ceramic, other materials can be added to achieve specific properties.

2. How is pottery made? Pottery is formed by shaping methods such as hand molding, potter's wheel, or casting methods, and then fired at high temperatures to achieve its strength and hardness.

3. Why is ceramic heat resistant? Ceramics are heat resistant because they are fired at high temperatures during the firing process. This creates a solid, hard structure that can withstand high temperatures.

4. What types of pottery are there? There are different types of ceramics, such as earthenware, stoneware, porcelain and technical ceramics. Each type has different properties and uses.

5. In which areas is ceramic used? Ceramics are used in many areas, such as everyday objects (dishes, tiles, vases), art and sculpture, and technical applications (electrical insulators, space travel, motors).