The evolution of a sugar bowl

This paper provides examples of current research in the field of 3D printed ceramics from a creative design perspective. It will also present a case study of a research collaboration between Denby Potteries and the Centre for Fine Print Research (CFPR), which is intended to move 3D printing from making replica prototypes to creating actual objects in ceramics. Denby bring to the project expertise from a traditional but forward looking pottery company, who use 3D prototyping as an integral part of their concept design process. The CFPR bring a body of UK Research Council funded research and a patented material consisting of a 3D printable ceramic body. The research undertaken potentially allows the ability to print directly in a compatible ceramic material that can be rapidly glazed and decorated; a quantum leap in concept modelling for Denby, and the tableware industry.A 3D printed sugar bowl will provide an exemplar of the inherent problems of re-creating an existing ceramic artefact. 3D printing of ceramics is a fundamentally different process from conventional ceramic forming techniques for tableware. Its evolution demonstrates some of the problems and solutions developed during the creation of an actual 3D printed ceramic artefact.