Martin Howard on mon 9 apr 01
Kerry Hibbs asks about transferring photographic art work onto her ceramic
work.
Well, Clayart, the time has come to unveil the work of
Digital Ceramic Systems Ltd of
Taylor Buildings,
Clough Street, Hanley,
Stoke on Trent,
Staffordshire, ST1 4BA.
That's The Potteries in England.
The real centre of the Ceramic industry.
I have visited the office of this new firm and am very taken with what it
has to offer.
A web site is in preparation, but not on-line yet as far as I am aware.
What follows is taken directly from their advertising folder. I have no
financial connection with the company, but I like to spread a good idea when
I see it. But if it becomes listed on the shares market, I will certainly
put
some money into it. It deserves to succeed.
Digital ceramic decals have arrived!
Ceramics have been decorated since the earliest cays of mankind using
techniques, which have grown more and more sophisticated through the ages.
Now there is a new technology, which represents a major breakthrough in the
printing and decorating process and which will rapidly revolutionise many
aspects of design and manufacturing procedures.
Using recent developments in digital technology in digital technology it is
now possible to capture images, produce continuous tone or half tone
transfers very easily and quickly without the added costs, and complications
associated with the traditional screen printing process.
Of particular advantage are the possibilities to achieve short runs of
personalised or promotional items and for the larger manufacturer, drastic
reductions in inventory are an attractive proposition.
Looking forward, the exploitation of this patented process offers the chance
to create an on demand, direct print decorating line in which if required
every motif could be different i.e. n further need for long runs of one
design, or large stocks of transfers or colour.
ADVANTAGES
? Ease of use - digital system needs very little technical expertise
? Very fast to market - same day service feasible
? Economic - single pieces or short runs are viable
? Reliability - Off the shelf hardware offers easy maintenance
? Safety - System operates as a closed circuit i.e. dust free
? Flexibility - The system can be adapted for small retail style operations,
design studios or even large scale businesses wishing to operate just in
time manufacturing
? Quality - The system can give both half tone and continuous tone. Near
photographic quality can be achieved.
? Technical resistance - Dishwasher resistance and metal release results
meet today's standards
? Cost - Entry level of the system is less than the cost of a colour copier
? Availability - On glaze colour palette and Hardware immediate; glass and
underglaze colour palettes 2001.
You can contact the MD, Stuart Jones, or his assistant Gavin on
01782 2154000 or Fax 01782 263000 or E-mail them at
STUARTJONES6@compuserve.com
The system for those who have been following my interest in any method to do
this, is to use the laser printer (Zeros NC60 modified) or a Colour Copier
(Canon 700/800 + Fiery RIP to give A3 sheet size). I had been following the
idea of using Ink Jet Colour Printers, but that has great problems, not yet
overcome by anyone, as far as I am aware, of how to stop the fine jets being
clogged up. Stuart Jones has used a method of re-formulating the toner of
laser printers and colour copiers.
Now, I hope he can keep up with the demand that comes from Clayarters
throughout the world.
Go, ask him all the difficult questions that I forgot to ask Gavin when I
was
there a few weeks ago :-)
Remember that he has all the patents. So don't try to copy the idea and put
it on the market as your own.
As if any Clayarter would think of such a thing !!!
Martin Howard, wondering whether to buy Stuart's system or risk wrecking my
black and white photocopier first, at
Webb's Cottage Pottery
Woolpits Road, Great Saling
BRAINTREE, Essex CM7 5DZ
England
martin@webbscottage.co.uk
http://www.webbscottage.co.uk
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