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We are often asked whether it is normal for fired glazes to crack and what can be done about it.The ProblemIt is important to distinguish between the type of ceramic. If we consider densely fired ceramics such as stoneware or porcelain, this is usually only a cosmetic problem, as a dense body prevents, for example, a drinking liquid from running through the vessel. The situation is different with porous earthenware. If cracks appear in the fired glaze sooner or later, the drinking liquid will always run through the body, and the residue will be visible on the saucer or table!Adjusting Thermal Expansion of Clay and GlazeThe fact that a glaze generally cracks after being removed from the kiln is due to the different coefficients of thermal expansion (TEC) of the clay and glaze... more

Admittedly, the search for possible sources of fault for a prematurely aborted firing can sometimes be quite complex, especially if the fault only occurs sporadically. Even with damage such as the one shown in the image, a specialist should be called in – this requires considerable work. Locally, we carry out such repair and maintenance service upon request. Fig.: Inside of a kiln with broken heating elements, support tubes and bottom shelf1) Common wear parts inside the kilnThe kiln pictured here hasn't had any preventative maintenance performed for a long time... more

We're often asked in which cases glazes are suitable for making dining and drinking ware, or whether a glaze is "food-safe"! Unfortunately, this isn't an easy question to answer, since, on the one hand, the term "food-safe" isn't a term used in ceramic technology, and, on the other hand, a multitude of regulations may need to be considered.1) What is the difference between the labelling obligation for the glaze raw material and the “toxicity” of a fired glaze?To avoid any misunderstandings, the question of the "toxicity" of the fired glaze is an application technology issue that has nothing to do with the labelling requirements for our powdered and liquid products according to the Hazardous Substances Ordinance! To point it out: There are glazes whose raw materials require labelling according to the Hazardous Substances Ordinance, but which can nevertheless be used for tableware without any problems (this is because the hazardous substance binds during firing and is subsequently insoluble)... more

As long as we do not yet have detailed individual item images, you can get an overview of our moulds in our updated pdf catalog BSZ plaster moulds 2024. If necessary, download the PDF file by clicking on the link (if the file does not open automatically). By clicking on the catalogue image or the item number next to it, you will automatically be taken back to our web shop (currently only to the German website), where the current price and availability are displayed. The truck symbol indicates that the mould can only be shipped via forwarding company due to its size! more

It has now been “a few days ago” since our last paper catalog “saw the light of day”. For this reason, we have clearly presented all the new products in one category in our brand new shop. Click on the following link and you can browse our list of new products to your heart's content: All new products at a glance Have fun ! more

Unfortunately, when winter temperatures are around or below freezing, we cannot ship frost-sensitive products such as plastic clay. This applies especially to shipping via freight forwarding company. The clay would freeze on the way to you and have a "very airy consistency" once thawed. This means that you would have to laboriously beat your clay to deaerate it before processing. The frost-sensitive products also include the mould release agent 4290 as well as resistance wax 1129. At very low temperatures below zero, liquid casting compounds are also not sent - the risk is too great that the buckets will deform significantly due to freezing and become brittle! more

Unfortunately, the legally required hazardous material labeling (which we as retailers of chemical products must adhere to) is becoming more and more extensive! According to our last catalog, we were only required to label products (in the range of glazes) that contain zinc oxide as water pollutants. There is currently a significantly higher number of substances that are hazardous to water, such as copper oxide and copper carbonate. Furthermore, ceramic glazes and clay powders may contain respirable quartz powders, so appropriate occupational safety equipment must be used when working with ceramic materials... more