Ceramic Design Group on fri 15 apr 05
We make "air release dies" for our RAM=A9 press on a pretty continuous=20=
basis, whether it is making a die from a model to be pressed or=20
remaking a die that has worn out from use.
Its a specific methodology using gypsum cements, mold duct tubing,=20
correct mixing, pouring, purging etc etc. I have probably made every=20
mistake in the book during my learning process and will probably make=20
some more, but right now I make dies that function well, look good, and=20=
last. Without being smug, I have made enough dies for myself as well as=20=
for others that I can say I am a pretty good die maker. Takes about=20
10-12 hours to make a RAM=A9 die start to finish. That includes the set=20=
up slab, the master die impressions, the impressions, and finally the=20
working die set. It takes about 2-3 hours to re-pour a replacement die=20=
from an existing impression. A big learning curve even though it is not=20=
rocket science. The big picture that I have learned over my career as a=20=
mold, die, and model maker that its all in the set up and preparation.=20=
Plaster is a fabulous material once you understand it. It does not=20
forgive!
There is, to the best of my knowledge, no real printed material=20
detailing procedures and techniques out there. There is some basic=20
material available that has been published by US Gypsum on using=20
Ceramical which is used for RAM=A9 dies as it is long wearing and purges=20=
easily.The techniques that we use to make air release dies for the=20
press are pretty standard and we have devised alot of others that could=20=
be called tricks of the trade. They are all easily used for air release=20=
molds for hand pressing, etc etc. The uses can be endless and quite=20
productive. We have made air release molds for hand pressing, for=20
releasing difficult cast ware, and I have heard that there is a company=20=
that makes air release molds for the jigger jolly process. Why I have=20
no idea, but its an interesting idea for sure. Having less molds for=20
the jigger jolly in the shop is certainly an advantage.
Its not rocket science.
Good Luck
Jonathan
Jonathan Kaplan
Ceramic Design Group
PO Box 775112
Steamboat Springs CO 80477
(970) 879-9139
Plant location for commercial deliveries excluding USPS
1280 13th Street Suite K
Steamboat Springs CO 80487
info@ceramicdesigngroup.net
www.ceramicdesigngroup.net
Don Goodrich on fri 15 apr 05
Hi folks,
Do any of you remember an article about making air-release molds
or dies, in an issue of one of the ceramics magazines a few years ago?
The technique involves embedding porous tubing in the plaster, then
pressurizing it as the plaster hardens. There were some pretty good
photos, as I recall.
At the time I read it, I had no use for the information. However,
I've just completed a commission involving hundreds of tiles with sprigged
figures, that devoured practically all my spare time. It occurs to me
that time spent designing and building an air-release mold would've
paid off quite well. Since there's a fair chance of a similar commission
in the future, it seems a good idea to work on better production design.
Although I've searched the CM, PMI, and CT websites, the article hasn't
appeared. Search capabilities of these sites seem rudimentary at best, or
maybe I'm just not using the right keywords. I have Reid Harvey's book,
"Pressing Ceramics With Air Release" published by Gentle Breeze (Axner).
Although it's well written, I could use a bit more detail and the
illustrations could be better.
So, if any of you know where to find that magazine article, any equally
useful literature, or just want to give relevant advice, I'd be grateful.
Thanks,
Don Goodrich
goodrichdn@aol.com
http://dongoodrichpottery.com/
Steve Irvine on fri 15 apr 05
Don,
Morgen Hall has some information on her website that might be useful:
http://www.morgenhall.co.uk/backgr2c.htm
Steve Irvine
http://www.steveirvine.com
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