Mechanical 3D Printed Pots
These pots are made from stoneware and porcelain clays and use both oxidation and reduction firings to glaze and finish the work. Stains are used to give a matte flat surface on what is sometimes a very complicated shape containing waves and pattens and sometimes random blobs. Creating these patterns on the pots means that specialised software is needed. The printed pieces in clay are layered and controlling the appearance of each layer of clay makes this a feature, rather than a flaw of the process. Each piece is intricate and takes some time to design, program, set up and print; the printing alone may take up to 2 hours, requiring careful monitoring and drying conditions.
The method of creation starts by designing a basic shape using a computer (CAD programme). It can be any shape you like but simple forms seem to work best. After this the shape is passed through a bespoke programme which was designed by myself, retired software engineer with friend and collaborator potter, Chess Denman, an excellent mathematician. This programme allows the design and visualisation of pots and produces the output needed to control a clay 3D printer.
The 3D printer has been adapted; printing starts by pressurizing the clay to about one tonne. The clay is pumped to a print head which lays down the layers in a sequence of movements that are dictated by the computer programme. The mechanical device that extrudes the clay has to handle high pressures and forces, delivered using a hydraulic ram at one end. At the other an auger needs to extrude the clay in repeatable layers with a precision of less than a millimetre. Getting everything to work and not to explode in a rather genteel but nonetheless catastrophic ooze of clay and pipes can be a frustrating process.
I have come to relish both the technical (engineering and computing) and the artistic aspects of making ceramics in this way.
If you would like to buy or commission a pot then do ask or email pottery@anrep.co.uk.
Payment can be made using most cards.
I have always made pots since I was at school aged 13, while it has never been my career which was science, electronics and computing, I have always continued to make pots through out my life. I started throwing at school, and was allowed to fire a medium sized 3 chamber oil kiln. Their I learn to make up glazes and later started to experiment making my own glazes. I enjoy all types of pottey apart from sculpture which I have never tried.