Épisodes

  • On black cores and degassing: analyzing a defect

    On black cores and degassing: analyzing a defect
    Dec 4 2025
    This episode provides a quick overview of the “black core” effect—an internal discoloration in porcelain tiles, typically caused by incomplete oxidation of the ceramic body due to trapped organic residues.

    It highlights the production conditions that make the defect more likely to appear and then outlines practical corrective strategies to prevent it.

    All in just ten minutes.
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    9 min
  • Bubbles, surfactants, and defoamers

    Bubbles, surfactants, and defoamers
    Nov 10 2025
    In ceramic manufacturing, aqueous suspensions play a crucial role in shaping processes and determining the final quality of products.

    However, foam formation can disrupt production, leading to defects and lower efficiency.

    This episode dives into the world of foaming phenomena, exploring how they arise and how they affect the properties of suspensions.

    We discuss surfactants, which can encourage foam formation, and defoamers, which help keep it under control.

    What key insights are needed to effectively manage these challenges?
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    11 min
  • Cratering phenomena and ceramic glazes: in short

    Cratering phenomena and ceramic glazes: in short
    Oct 27 2025
    A closer look at one of the most common flaws that can affect both the performance and the appearance of ceramic glaze.

    In this episode, we break down the key causes, explain how they arise, and share practical ways to prevent them.

    For a deeper dive into the topic, check out episode #39.
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    11 min
  • Rheology in a nutshell: fundamentals, applications, and role

    Rheology in a nutshell: fundamentals, applications, and role
    Oct 16 2025
    What is rheology and what is it used for?

    This episode answers exactly these questions. Without delving into complex details, it presents a few key concepts to help navigate topics such as viscosity, material behavior, and process control.

    It’s a first step toward understanding the practical role of rheology in improving quality and production efficiency. In ten minutes.
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    11 min
  • Wetting agents: functions and applications in the ceramic industry

    Wetting agents: functions and applications in the ceramic industry
    Sep 29 2025
    Wettability is, in general terms, the property that describes a liquid's ability to adhere to a solid surface.

    It can also be understood as the process through which effective contact is established between a liquid and a solid.

    In some cases, solid surfaces exhibit low wettability—a characteristic that, while not inherently problematic, can lead to significant issues in the ceramic industry.

    When raw ceramic bodies or suspended particles display poor wettability, production inefficiencies may arise, ultimately affecting the quality of the final product.

    Wetting additives play a crucial role in creating the optimal conditions for achieving proper substrate wettability.

    But how do they work, and in which applications are they most commonly used?
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    15 min
  • Water conductivity and industrial processes

    Water conductivity and industrial processes
    Sep 15 2025
    The electrical conductivity of water is a key parameter in industrial production processes, as it reflects the amount of dissolved ions that can directly impact the stability and efficiency of operations.

    When conductivity levels go unchecked, they can compromise the quality of the final product, cause corrosion in equipment, or alter the reactivity of the materials used.

    In this episode, we explore why continuous monitoring is essential and what strategies companies adopt to keep conductivity within optimal limits.

    We discuss not only direct treatments like reverse osmosis and deionization, but also indirect approaches: the use of additives and rheological modifiers can help mitigate the negative effects of high conductivity, ensuring more stable processes and more reliable end products.Zs_lab, educational, Zschimmer&Schwarz, Tiles, Ceramco, Chemistry, Ceramics,
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    11 min
  • Chemicals for ceramic glazes: the grinding phase

    Chemicals for ceramic glazes: the grinding phase
    Sep 1 2025
    In this episode, we dive into the essential role of chemical additives used during the grinding phase of ceramic glazes—a crucial step that sets the stage for successful application on the glazing line.

    We focus on dispersants and binders, compounds that give the glaze the right balance of cohesion, stability, and flow. But there’s no one-size-fits-all solution here: the type of additive must be tailored to the specific application method, whether it's airless spraying, bell, or curtain coating.

    A technical yet accessible look at how chemistry drives performance—right from the start.
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    9 min
  • Maintenance fluids and ceramic digital printers: cleaner, stand-by fluid, and model fluid

    Maintenance fluids and ceramic digital printers: cleaner, stand-by fluid, and model fluid
    Aug 26 2025
    Digital printing has transformed the ceramic industry, opening the door to highly sophisticated, versatile, and customizable designs.

    At the core of this shift are ceramic digital printers—advanced machines that use inkjet technology to precisely apply both functional and decorative materials.

    While the focus is often on inks and printing performance, there’s another category of fluids working quietly behind the scenes: maintenance fluids.

    Though they don't directly impact the final aesthetic result, they play a vital role in keeping printers running smoothly and extending their lifespan.

    In this episode, we explore three key types of maintenance fluids: cleaners, stand-by fluids, and model fluids—each essential for ensuring reliable and consistent digital printing performance.
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    17 min