Learn about the challenges and advantages of slip casting in ceramics production. Discover how Delta Faucet explored a new ceramic processing method and made the decision to halt the project. Dive into the difficulties faced in casting ceramic material and innovative solutions. Explore a new approach to slip casting and its potential applications. Uncover the challenges and innovations in limited silicate ceramics manufacturing.
Delta Faucet explored the use of colloidal silica to revolutionize ceramics manufacturing, resulting in stronger and more durable products.
Scaling up colloidal silica slip casting presented challenges, but valuable insights and solutions were identified for future development and collaboration.
Deep dives
Traditional slip casting and its limitations
The traditional process of slip casting, used to create ceramic products such as toilets and sinks, has remained relatively unchanged for 5,000 years. This process involves casting clay and minerals dissolved in water into plaster molds. However, this method has limitations. The molds only last for about 50 parts and the process is inefficient, resulting in a high fallout rate. Additionally, the drying time is slow and the final product is prone to cracking and shrinkage.
Introducing a potential solution: Colloidal Silica
Delta Faucets embarked on a research and development project to find a better alternative to traditional slip casting. They explored the use of colloidal silica, a material composed of silica particles suspended in a water solution. By replacing clay with colloidal silica, they discovered they could cast complex shapes, dry the material more quickly, and achieve a stronger and more durable end product. This innovative approach showed promise and resulted in the successful creation of sink prototypes.
Challenges and the need for further development
While the prototypes demonstrated the potential of colloidal silica slip casting, challenges arose during the scaling-up process. The rate of freezing the material presented difficulties, as slower freezing led to unfavorable crystal structures and cracks in the final product. Cooling the molds and preventing erosion of die surfaces by colloidal silica were additional challenges. Despite these obstacles, the project offered valuable insights and solutions, such as the use of cryogenic liquid coolants and alternative mold materials like fiberglass or carbon fiber.
Opportunities for collaboration and future advancements
The Delta Faucet Company is actively seeking partners to advance the development and utilization of colloidal silica slip casting. They are open to collaboration and potential applications beyond traditional ceramics, such as body armor. Interested parties are encouraged to reach out and contribute to the next stage of research and production. The innovative approach of colloidal silica slip casting offers the promise of stronger, more efficient, and aesthetically pleasing ceramic products, revolutionizing an industry that has relied on traditional methods for millennia.
Join us as we speak to Delta Faucet about a new way of ceramics processing. Learn how the process works and why they aren't pursuing it further at the moment.
This episode is sponsored by Delta Faucet, learn more about their work and services by visiting their website.
This episode is sponsored by Materials Today, an Elsevier community dedicated to the creation and sharing of materials science knowledge and experience through their peer-reviewed journals, academic conferences, educational webinars, and more.
Thanks to Kolobyte and Alphabot for letting us use their music in the show!
If you have questions or feedback please send us emails at materialism.podcast@gmail.com or connect with us on social media: Instagram, Twitter.
Materialism Team: Taylor Sparks (co-creator,co-host), Andrew Falkowski (co-creator), Jared Duffy (production, marketing, and editing).
Keywords: Materials Science Manufacturing Ceramics Faucets Processing Time
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