Ceramic products are made from natural materials, typically clay, that are molded, shaped, and then fired at high temperatures to create durable and often aesthetically pleasing items. They have been used for millennia in various forms, ranging from simple utilitarian tools to intricate works of art. Today, ceramic products cover a wide range of applications, including household items, industrial components, art pieces, and medical materials.

Manufacturing Process of Ceramic Products

The production of ceramic items follows a general process, though variations depend on the type of product:

1. Raw Material Selection:
   • The base material is usually clay, but other minerals like silica, alumina, and feldspar may be added for specific properties.
2. Forming:
   • Hand Building: Used in traditional pottery, where the clay is shaped by hand using techniques like coiling, pinching, or slab-building.
   • Wheel Throwing: A potter’s wheel is used to shape clay into symmetrical forms.
   • Slip Casting: Liquid clay (slip) is poured into molds to form hollow items.
   • Extrusion and Pressing: Used in industrial ceramics to create shapes such as pipes, tiles, and bricks.
3. Drying:
   • The formed item is dried to remove excess moisture before firing. This stage is crucial to avoid cracks and deformation during firing.
4. Firing:
   • The object is heated in a kiln to temperatures between 1,000°C and 1,400°C, depending on the type of ceramic. Firing solidifies the structure and makes it durable.
   • Bisque Firing: The initial firing that hardens the clay.
   • Glaze Firing: A second firing to apply a glass-like coating (glaze) to make the object waterproof and add decorative finishes.

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