The aim of the thesis was to explore the involvement of three-dimensional (hereinafter referred to as 3D) printing in ceramics. The focus was on the most accessible techniques, specifically the use of thermoplastic extrusion technology to create a plaster mold, which serves as a tool for making molds for casting clay, and 3D printing of clay. The final products are ceramic cups for everyday use, made using the mentioned techniques.
In the theoretical part, 3D printing and material extrusion technique were introduced in general. Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol (hereinafter referred to as PETG) material was described in detail, and categorization of clay based on its properties was presented. The prevalence of 3D
printing of ceramics in the market was explored, and the process of making molds for casting clay was presented. An overview of artists in foreign countries and Slovenia who use 3D printing techniques for shaping clay products was made.
The experimental part deals with the selection of materials, their preparation, and the process of making cups with each technique. The first part presents the making of a mold for casting clay, from making a prototype, which we printed with a 3D printer that operates on the basis of material extrusion, making the mold, and to the final product. The second part presents the process of printing with a 3D printer for clay, from preparing the clay to the final cup. The cups were dried, trimmed, and biscuit and glaze fired to make them suitable for everyday use.
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