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

Bisque firing burns off organic matter, creates a porous but strong structure that absorbs glaze evenly, and makes the piece easier to handle during glazing.

Question 2

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

Accepted Answer

200 mesh

Answer

A 200-mesh sieve has the smallest openings, removing the finest coarse particles and producing the most uniform glaze particle suspension.

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

Porcelain's fine kaolin particles have low plasticity, making it less responsive to the potter's hands and more prone to collapsing during throwing.

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

Ball milling grinds materials to smaller, more uniform particle sizes and ensures thorough mixing, resulting in smoother melt and more consistent glaze surfaces.

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

Orton cones measure heat-work — the cumulative effect of both temperature and time — which is more relevant to ceramic maturation than temperature alone.

(CCE) Certified Ceramist Practice Test

(CCE) Certified Ceramist Practice Test

CCE Selection & Application of Materials & Equipment for Ceramics 4