These prototypes are the results of the AHRC funded research project - Extending the potential of the digitally printed ceramic surface.

Abstract:

The digital laser printed transfer system offers the potential to change the qualities, speeds and economies of commercial ceramic production; this potential has not yet been exploited by the UK ceramics industry. The focus of the research project is extending the use of laser printed transfer systems by exploring the use of new materials, methods and economies within a commercial context. The research aimed to revitalize the UK ceramics industry and so support regeneration across the UK in locations where ceramics manufacturing is situated.

Whilst it is already possible to use laser printing to produce ceramic transfers, this has remained a marginal technology in the UK, used only for single print or small batch production jobs; the current market model is a bureau-based service. Due to the limited resources and current client base of the bureaux, there has been a lack of investment in developing the process for large-scale manufacturing.

The project has aimed to resolve this issue by building a consortium of innovators to explore the potential of this technology in large-scale manufacturing. The projects research team at the Royal College of Art collaborated throughout the project’s duration of two years, with the inventor and patent holder of the laser printed ceramic transfer process, Michael Zimmer of MZTT, his UK partners Digital Ceramic Systems and the high-value ceramic manufacturers, Royal Crown Derby.