URL: Factory workers slip-cast, glaze, decorate and fire mugs
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Related Information
CAD drawing of mug handle mold with traditional spares
Available on the Downloads page
This picture has its own page with more detail, click here to see it.
This mold creates traditional spares (instead of 3D-printed pour spouts on our alternative design). We print these using PLA filament. After extraction from the mold the spares on the clay handles need to be cut away carefully, using a sharp fine-bladed knife.
Worried about mixing or tuning your own casting slip recipe? We have lots of help on doing that. As motivation, consider the benefits of mass-producing handles and storing them in a wet box with the attachment slip - they will be ready to use whenever needed.
CAD drawing of mug handle block mold (spareless)
Available on the Downloads page
This picture has its own page with more detail, click here to see it.
I have long wanted an easy way to make molds for slipcasting handles that mate perfectly to specifically shaped and sized mugs (or pitchers, teapots, etc). These are the answer. These shells print quickly to only 11 grams of PLA filament. They peel away from the set plaster with a heat gun to give fine detail and a perfect fit. These use 3D-printed pour spouts instead of a mold spare (printed separately) and enable cutting the joint surface cleanly and accurately before the handle is removed from the mold (a version of this is also available with spares). This is the product of a long development process. This drawing is available on the downloads page.
Worried about mixing or tuning your own casting slip recipe? We have lots of help on doing that. As motivation, consider the benefits of mass producing handles and store them in a wet box with the attachment slip.
Cast handle on thrown mug, pulled handle on cast mug
This picture has its own page with more detail, click here to see it.
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.
Links
| Projects | Mug Handle Casting |
| Projects | Videos of factory workers making holloware |
| 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. |
| Typecodes |
Videos of factory workers making holloware
They use the same basic techniques as potters. But they work at astonishing speed, use novel tools and hybrid workflows. |
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