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Left #1: A thrown mug with a slip-cast handle.
Right #2: A slip-cast mug with a pulled handle.
#1 is much less likely to crack on drying? Why? The much higher drying shrinkage of the plastic throwing clay is the main issue. A cast mug, stiff enough for handling, may have as little as 1% shrinkage left while the pulled handle being attached could have 5% or more. While #1 has survived, stresses lurk within seeking relief (e.g. when bumped). The situation is much more favourable with a cast handle on a thrown mug. At leather hard it may have 3% shrinkage left. A fresh-out-of-the-mold cast handle would have about the same - so they will dry happily together. Of course they also need to have similar firing shrinkages so the kiln does not put the join under stress.
| URLs |
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DZUoMFfxDyy
Automated handle application, rim, inside and outside glazing of mugs |
| URLs |
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DU8FQ19lAD5
Factory workers slip-cast, glaze, decorate and fire mugs |
| URLs |
https://www.instagram.com/reel/Dab4fz9SWhz
Skilled factory worker applies slip-cast handles to leather hard mugs |
| URLs |
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DdYutNSTb4W
Factory workers using novel handle preparation cutters in factory Custom plaster holders and specialized blade cutters shear slip-cast handles to exact vessel contours instantly, bypassing hand-trimming. |
| URLs |
https://www.instagram.com/reel/Ddxr3N5zxHB
Factory worker uses plaster mold as cutting guide for leather hard handles This enables casting the mug with a completely smooth inner surface (there is no pothole at the handle join). |
| URLs |
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DdsbyFaS6C2
Factory worker uses an ingenious method to attach a mug handle in the right spot and alignment |
| Glossary |
Slip Casting
A method of forming ceramics. A deflocculated (low water content) slurry is poured into absorbent plaster molds. As it sits in the mold, usually 10+ minutes, a layer builds against the mold walls. When thick enough the mold is drained. |
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