CCE Selection & Application of Materials & Equipment for Ceramics 4

Question 1

What is the purpose of a bisque firing before applying glaze?

Accepted Answer

To burn off organics, increase porosity for glaze absorption, and add handling strength

Answer

To vitrify the clay body completely

Answer

To melt the glaze onto the surface

Answer

To shrink the piece to its final dimensions

Question 2

Which sieve mesh size would be used to produce the finest glaze slop with minimal coarse particles?

Accepted Answer

200 mesh

Answer

40 mesh

Answer

80 mesh

Answer

120 mesh

Question 3

Which clay body characteristic makes porcelain more difficult to throw on the wheel compared to stoneware?

Accepted Answer

Low plasticity due to fine particle size and minimal iron content

Answer

Higher shrinkage rate only

Answer

Higher grog content

Answer

Coarser particle structure

Question 4

When using a ball mill to prepare glaze materials, what is the primary benefit over hand-mixing?

Accepted Answer

It reduces particle size uniformly and blends materials more thoroughly

Answer

It adds flux to the glaze automatically

Answer

It adjusts the specific gravity

Answer

It removes colorants from the glaze

Question 5

What does the Orton cone number indicate in ceramic firing?

Accepted Answer

The heat-work (combination of time and temperature) experienced by the ware

Answer

The exact temperature in Fahrenheit only

Answer

The speed of the firing ramp

Answer

The clay body's iron content

Question 6

A ceramist wants a matte glaze surface. Which oxide addition is most effective for matting a glaze?

Accepted Answer

Barium carbonate or titanium dioxide

Answer

Potassium oxide (K₂O)

Answer

Sodium oxide (Na₂O)

Answer

Lithium carbonate

Question 7

Which type of kiln furniture is specifically designed to support plates and flat ware while minimizing glaze contact marks?

Accepted Answer

Plate setters (flat setters with prong-type stilts)

Answer

Kiln posts

Answer

Kiln shelves

Answer

Bead racks