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Firing In Mold


newmatt

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I was going to attempt to dry press some tiles using a mold and hydraulic press. 

 

It would make life much easier if I could dry and fire the tiles while still in their molds. 

 

Are there any common metals (steel, stainless, etc) that can withstand common kiln temps? 

 

Sorry for the newbie question. 

 

Thanks,
Matt

 

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The short answer is no metal that can withstand common kiln temps.

My common kiln temps are 2400 but even low fire will cause metal issues.

Your mold can be made from ceramic materials and work just fine.

Mark

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Shrinkage could be an issue, as the mold will not shrink at the same rate as the clay unless it is made of the same clay. Thickness will also be an issue, since to withstand the pressure of dry pressing the mold would have to be very thick, and would probably not survive firing.

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Thanks for all of the replies.  A ceramic mold seems like a great solution from a temperature resistance standpoint. 

 

However, metail will be needed if dry-pressing for the pressures required.  Will have to remove the metal filter after drying and before firing. 

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I think your best bet would probably be to just invert the mould after pressing and slide the tiles into a setter.  That's basically how it's done large scale.

 

Even if you could find a mould suitable for your purposes, you'd be looking at a pretty high cost to productivity ratio.  You'd need a mould for every tile and that's a HUGE number if you're using a bulk manufacturing method like dry pressing.  Kiln shelves and tile setters are a lot cheaper than metal, far more durable too.

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