Artisan Manufacturing

IMPACT CERAMIC

Impact Ceramic was founded as a division of Cook on Clay LLC in 2015. We press Cook on Clay product line of flameproof ceramic cooking pots on a 130-ton Weiland hydraulic press.

Impact Ceramic fills an important niche for designers and studio potters seeking small-scale ceramic manufacturing services utilizing hydraulic production equipment and processes. We offer hydraulic press and mold making services for small run (under 1000 pieces) production. We supply the equipment, knowledge, and staff to manufacture your designs with detailed attention to quality.

Impact offers experience in developing prototypes for hydraulic-pressed ceramic products. The client is involved in design approval as the Impact team creates the production steps for your product(s). We dedicated to manufacturing the highest quality ceramic products. We are committed to fostering a collaborative spirit among clients, vendors, and supporters of small-run American-made wares.

Training the next generation of artist-manufacturers is a goal of our company. Apprenticeships and internships are available to those wishing to be hands-on. Contact robbie@cookonclay.com to inquire.

EPOCH CERAMIC makes Cook on Clay molds for our hydraulic press production.

Impact Ceramic and Epoch Ceramic offer a unique collaboration and work together to offer mold-making technology with the manufacturing equipment and production personnel to bring your ideas and products to the marketplace.

Jake DeCero of Epoch Ceramic will make your molds. Impact Ceramic will press, finish, bisque, glaze, and fire your products.

PRODUCTION PROCESS
In order to have your design produced efficiently with the highest quality, 4 steps must be taken.

    1. The Model 
    Before any production can begin, a model of the object to be replicated must be made. The model is a scaled up version of the actual product. It must be scaled up to anticipate for the known shrinkage of specific clay bodies into the fired pot. Many materials are suitable for a model, but typically plaster is preferred.
     
    2. The Master Mold
    After the model is finalized, work on the master mold begins. The term “master mold” refers to the very first mold produced from the model. Once the master mold is complete, production can begin. However, molds do wear out. In addition to output limitations, when the mold wears out from repeated use, it will have to be remade from the original model in order to continue with production. The number of pieces your mold will produce depends upon type of clay used, surface quality desired, and time spent on finishing.

    3. The Mother Mold
    A rubber mold of your master mold is made to produce the working mold.

    4. The Working Mold
    The plaster molds used directly for the clay production are made from the mother mold. Storage of your working molds can be arranged.

    PRODUCTION SERVICES
    Once Impact Ceramic and Epoch Ceramic have completed your models and molds, we begin the manufacturing process. Using a large 130-ton hydraulic press, a predetermined amount of clay is placed in the press and is pressed between the two mold parts; air is then moved through mold to help release the object.

    The Impact Ceramic team tailors services to a wide variety of client production needs.

    For information about hydraulic pressing and the design process, contact:
    Maryon Attwood : 360-678- 1818 or 360-720-0088 (c) : maryon@cookonlay.com

    For information about mold making, contact Jake Decero / EPOCH CERAMIC: info@epochceramic.com