Pottery is one of the oldest human technologies. Fragments of clay pottery found recently in Hunan Province in China have been carbon dated to 17,500–18,300 years old. Pottery is a physical manifestation of the creative mind and skilled hands.

I have a creative mind, but all my clay work looks like a blurry lump of play-doh. I have no ability to finely sculpt anything with my hands. As a result, my creative side goes wanting for lack of dexterity.

Recently, the Friends of the Arts generously donated an amazing 3D Ceramic Printer to the DCDS Art Department.

In recent years, 3D printing has allowed students to design objects on their computer and print them with a plastic resin into objects. The art department’s new 3D Potter Printer takes that same concept and prints the object in clay instead of resin.

While 3D pottery printing is still in its infancy, and students will be creating their own unique artwork and designs, this new device opens up a unique introduction into the wider application of ceramics in careers and industry. 

“The detail is incredible” -US student

Applications of Advanced Ceramics

Advanced ceramic materials are now well established in many areas of everyday use, from fridge magnets to an increasing range or industries, including metals production and processing, aerospace, electronics, automotive and personnel protection.

In modern medicine, advanced ceramics – often referred to as bioceramics – play an increasingly important role. They are used as dental implants and as bone substitutes in orthopedic operations such as hip and knee replacement.

Technical Ceramics are widely used in industry for applications such as bearings, guides, pumps, intakes and many other components. Technical ceramics typically have high wear, temperature and pressure resistance with low friction.
 
For now, students will be using this 3D pottery printer to help express their creative artistic skills. As they create their art, classroom discussions on additional applications of ceramic printing may just result in a DCDS student creating a ceramic joint in your future or a new heat resistant tile for a future spaceship.

-My friend did not take ceramics because she doesn’t work well with her hands. Now she might take the class”~US Student

The printer will be great for consistency when I make a set of multiple items! ~US Student