Ceramics Laboratory

The work performed in the Ceramics laboratory includes all technological processes of ceramics. There are preparation of clay, extruding, different forming, drying, polishing, making of plaster molds, milling of glazes, glazing, firing in electric and wood-fired kilns. Specialized laboratory spaces and equipment are adapted for this purpose. Also are used the latest technologies:

• of color deco ceramics;
• of 3D clay printing.

Clay section

• Clay press - kneading (for wedging of clay, blending and mixing of different clays as well as for recycling of scraps);
• Vacuum clay press;
• Slab Roller (for slab rolling);
• Work tables, 6 pcs (for molding and casting clay masses);
• Table (for drying clay masses);
• Drying room (for drying ceramic works);
• Portable manual and power tools.

Chemical material section

• Ball mill for glazes (for milling dry and wet materials in the porcelain container and mixing glazes of individual composition);
• Weighing scales.
• Samples of the glazes.

Glazeroom

• Camera for spraying glazes;
• Air compressor;
• Sprayer  (for spraying glazes);
• Work table (for glazing).

Grinding room

• Sander (for scrubing, polishing, shaping fired ceramic works).

Kiln section

There are nine electric kilns:

Electric kilns:

1. WK-500, chamber dimensions: width 600, height 900, depth 900 (1280 °C);

2. W-800, chamber dimensions: width 740, height 1180, depth 1050 (1280 °C);

3. ROHDE, chamber dimensions: width 470, height 680, depth 640 (1300 °C);

4. ROHDE, chamber dimensions: width 410, height 340, depth 380 (1280 °C);

5. ROHDE, chamber dimensions: width 400, height 450 (1320 °C);

6. ROHDE, chamber dimensions in mm: width 450, height 460 (1320 °C).

7.  KITTEC, chamber dimensions in mm: width 400, height 305 (1320 o C);

8. KITTEC, chamber dimensions in mm: width 330, height 230 (1320 o C);

9. ROHDE, chamber dimensions in mm: width 460, height 420 (1320 o C).

General workshop and throwing workshop

• Potter‘s wheels (4 pcs. mobile, 4 pcs. stationary).
• Slab Roller (for clay rolling);
• Work tables 7 pcs;
• Piston presses - extruders 2 units (for clay molding).

Gypsum​ room

• Enclosures and clamps for making molds.
• Gypsum molds.
• Work tables 3 pcs.

3D clay printers room

• Clay printer 3D PotterBot 10 Pro;
• 3D clay printer Lutum 4.6;
• 3D clay printer Delta Wasp 2040.

Department of Ceramics, second floor, room No. 260

• Laser printer of the color decals Ricoh A4;
• The computer.

Outside yard

• Raku and leaven ceramic wood-fired kiln.
• High temperature wood-fired kiln.
• Black ceramic wood-fired kiln.

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Students working in the Ceramics laboratory are provided with equipment and tools for various technological processes as described in the presentation of the laboratory's capabilities.

Students working in the laboratory are provided with materials necessary to perform practical tasks during the study process, while lecturers are provided with what is necessary for their work functions (according to the presented coordinated need of the Department for the annual budget):

• Various masses of clay;
• Glazes;
• Gypsum;
• Pigments, engobes, metal oxides;
• Overglaze paints, chandeliers;
• Decal paper;
• Accessories for electric kilns (shelves, shelf legs);
• Small work tools, clay decorating tools.

Students are partially supplied with materials when carrying out their artistic experiments (according to point 7 of the "Work Rules of Ceramics Laboratory" approved Rector‘s order No. VĮU-47, dated 2016-01-09).

Ceramics laboratory work rules