Épisodes

  • 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
  • Temporary binders: functions and actions

    Temporary binders: functions and actions
    Aug 4 2025
    In the world of ceramics, temporary binders play a crucial role in improving the cohesion and workability of slips.

    These substances, often polymer-based, act on a chemical level by creating bonds between particles, increasing the mechanical strength of the mixture.

    In this episode, we explore what they are, how they work, and why they are essential in modern ceramic processes.
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    18 min
  • Behind the scenes of innovation: exploring the challenges and methodology behind the development of chemical auxiliaries

    Behind the scenes of innovation: exploring the challenges and methodology behind the development of chemical auxiliaries
    Jul 21 2025
    This episode takes inspiration from the thesis work of the Head of Research at Zschimmer & Schwarz Ceramco. The goal is not to focus on the specific topic explored in that study (in this case, the well-known issue of the "black core"), but rather to highlight the research methodology and the meticulous, in-depth work that takes place every day in the laboratories of chemical companies serving the ceramic manufacturing industry.

    Although it begins in an academic context, the process described closely mirrors the structured, methodical approach followed by laboratory professionals in real-world industrial settings.
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    19 min
  • Top glaze: what it is, what it is used for, and how to apply it

    Top glaze: what it is, what it is used for, and how to apply it
    Jul 7 2025
    In the ceramic field, a “top glaze” refers to the glaze applied as the final layer onto the unfired ceramic substrate.

    This glaze can serve multiple functions, but it primarily protects the underlying decoration and imparts specific technical and aesthetic properties to the surface.

    This episode focuses on this particular class of glazes, taking a closer look at the key functions and rheological characteristics (among others) that the suspension must exhibit, depending on the chosen application method and the type of ceramic product being manufactured.
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    17 min
  • Chimic-A.I. – Chemistry Through the Eyes of Artificial Intelligence. A Playful Experiment

    Chimic-A.I. – Chemistry Through the Eyes of Artificial Intelligence. A Playful Experiment
    Jun 23 2025
    After more than fifty episodes exploring topics of general interest—always through the lens of chemistry and ceramic production—we’ve decided to have some fun.

    We posed a few simple questions to artificial intelligence, asking it to write a short text about chemistry with complete freedom to choose the themes and highlights.

    The result? Amusing, sometimes absurd—mostly accurate, but not always.

    As we know, Large Language Models (the technology behind AI’s ability to understand and generate text) can produce content that sounds convincing and is often correct, yet it’s not immune to errors or even clichés. With so much information available online, inaccuracies are just a step away.

    That’s why it’s essential to keep in mind that this is, above all, an experiment—and, let’s not forget, just a bit of fun!
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    15 min
  • Melting materials and ceramic production: what they are and what they are for

    Melting materials and ceramic production: what they are and what they are for
    Jun 9 2025
    Melting materials used in ceramics, often in glazes and digital glues, are capable of lowering the melting point of a material or compound, thus accelerating the sintering process.

    This action, which occurs through the breaking of the molecular structure of the compound (in our case, silica) by certain ions, affects several factors and must be carefully calibrated each time to achieve the desired result.

    Some of the areas influenced by this process include the grit application, the glossy or matte finish of the surface, interaction with colors, and energy savings.

    How do these materials (such as sodium, potassium, zinc, calcium, boron, etc.) work within the suspensions they are added to, and how does this action reflect on the final ceramic material?
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    18 min
  • Ceramic production and digital processes: productivity, challenges, and preventive actions

    Ceramic production and digital processes: productivity, challenges, and preventive actions
    May 26 2025
    Industrial productivity is a top priority for any manufacturing enterprise, regardless of its field of operation.

    The ceramic industry, too, must adhere to rules and parameters that enhance productivity while avoiding any form of waste.

    However, process interruptions—representing the most extreme scenarios—can be triggered by numerous factors and can occur at various stages along the production line.

    Even the digital printing process, including all the micro-processes that occur immediately before and after the printer, can be prone to issues that, in the most severe cases, lead to machine downtime.

    This discussion explores some of the most representative critical scenarios related to the topic, providing an overview of preventive actions that can be implemented to mitigate such risks.
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    18 min