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The machine is being cleaned in preparation for a porcelain run (after producing stoneware clays). The pugmill has been stripped down completely - all parts in the main chamber, vacuum chamber and in the nose). The casings, augers and other components are washed, dried and inspected. Clean-downs and associated maintenance like this are costly but necessary to ensure quality porcelain. Each time we do this we are reminded how amazing this machine is - it can premix, pug and de-air even the most difficult of all clay bodies, Polar Ice. That body can be thrown straight out of the machine as plastic as it would be if aged for a year. This machine routinely produces 600+ boxes per day, turning powder into pugged in a continuous operation.
| Glossary |
Pugmill
The practice of removing air from clay as it is pugged. Deaired clay has better forming properties and produces a smoother fired surface. |
| Glossary |
Plainsman Clays
A clay mining and processing company in Southern Alberta since 1965. |
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