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These sixteen GBMF test balls have melted down onto a slab of grogged clay. Kiln fired at 108F/hr for the last 100 degrees F and held for 15 minutes. This demonstrates the comparison value of this test and how various frits compare in their melting character.
This method uses 3% Veegum. A 0.01g scale is required (the amount of Veegum needs to be precise since it affects melting). Weigh 11g of the frit and 0.33 of Veegum. Put them in a small ziplock bag, zip it to entrap air and roll the zipper down to inflate it. Shake well to mix. Stir the powder into water (~5-8g) in a small bowl. Pour it onto a plaster slab - it dewaters very quickly (e.g. as little as 10 seconds) - just as the water sheen is gone, peel it up with a rubber rib. Smear it back down and peel it up every few seconds until it is plastic and formable (but not sticky). Roll it into a ball, label it and dry it under a heat lamp (this could take an hour, the Veegum really holds on to the water). When dry we use a sharp knife to cut off enough to bring it down to 9 grams. One caveat: The Veegum is a melting catalyst, balls will flow noticeably more, this is not an issue if you are comparing the melts of two materials (but it is for tests meant to be absolute).
Materials |
Fusion Frit F-69
A magnesia borosilicate frit having very low thermal expansion and melting point. Commonly used as a substitute for Ferro frit 3249. |
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Materials |
Fusion Frit F-524
A low fire base glaze, add 10% kaolin, adjust thermal expansion using other frits. |
Materials |
Frit LA-300
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Materials |
Frit B325
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Materials |
Ferro Frit 3124
A commonly available calcium borosilicate frit. |
Materials |
Ferro Frit 3249
A magnesia borosilicate frit. Very low thermal expansion and melting point. Invaluable in pottery to increase the MgO in glazes and thereby prevent crazing. |
Materials |
Chrysanthos Frit FR002N
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Materials |
Chrysanthos Frit FR006
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Materials |
Ferro Frit 3565
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Materials |
Fusion Frit F-49
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Materials |
Fusion Frit FZ-557
|
Materials |
Fusion Frit FZ-556
|
Materials |
Ferro Frit CC-257
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Materials |
Ferro Frit CC-257-2
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Materials |
Fusion Frit F-15
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Materials |
Fusion Frit F-38
High strontium low alumina borosilicate flux. |
Materials |
Chrysanthos Frit FR001
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Tests |
Glaze Melt Fluidity - Ball Test
A test where a 10-gram ball of dried glaze is fired on a porcelain tile to study its melt flow, surface character, bubble retention and surface tension. |
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