materials in porcelain manufacturing
Characteristics and properties of the different raw materials such as china clay, ball clay, alumina, flint and feldspar used for the production of household ware and decorative items.
Production potters process and form clay, by hand or by using the wheel, into end-products pottery, stoneware products, earthenware products and porcelain. They introduce the already shaped clay into kilns, heating them at a high temperature in order to remove all the water from the clay.
Competences and skills
32 ESCO relationsEssential knowledge 5 competences
Occupation specific
0 competencesNo competences in this bucket.
Sector-specific
3 competencesmaterials used in stoneware manufacturing
Characteristics and properties of the different materials used in the production of the vitreous ceramic made of stoneware clay, or in some cases of non-refractory fire-clay.
types of pottery material
Types of clays and mud and their appearance, properties, reaction to fire, etc.
Cross-sector
2 competencesceramics glazes
The characteristics, compounds and application of different glaze types such as raw or frit glazes.
quality standards
The national and international requirements, specifications and guidelines to ensure that products, services and processes are of good quality and fit for purpose.
Essential skills and competences 11 competences
Occupation specific
2 competencesprepare balls of clay
Prepare the balls of clay so that they are according to specifications of each end-product and position the balls in the center of the wheel.
shape clay
Shape clay by pressing thumbs into the center of revolving clay while revolving wheels in order to obtain as end-products ware such as vases and pitchers.
Sector-specific
5 competencesapply glaze coating
Dip the products into a specific glaze coating that will make them waterproof and fix the decorative patterns and colours after the firing process.
handle different pottery materials
Treat different recipes of clay and mud according to the genre (such as china) or the expected strength, look, colour, tradition or innovation in the creative process.
manage different ceramic firing techniques
Manage different ceramic firing or baking techniques according to selected clay, the expect strength of the object, and enamel colours.
operate a ceramics kiln
Manage the temperature of a kiln to achieve the expected results according to the type of clay such as biscuit stoneware or porcelain. Manage sintering and enamels colours.
use abrasive wheel
Use the specific abrasive wheel or the step in the finishing process according to the type of stone or workpiece.
Cross-sector
4 competencesensure equipment availability
Ensure that the necessary equipment is provided, ready and available for use before start of procedures.
inspect quality of products
Use various techniques to ensure the product quality is respecting the quality standards and specifications. Oversee defects, packaging and sendbacks of products to different production departments.
paint decorative designs
Apply designs in paint, using paint sprayers, paintbrushes or spray cans.
polish clay products
Use abrasives to smoothen the surface of clay products such as sculptures, dolls and models working with sanding papers, manual or power tools.
Optional knowledge 1 competence
Occupation specific
0 competencesNo competences in this bucket.
Sector-specific
0 competencesNo competences in this bucket.
Cross-sector
1 competencealumina ceramic
Aluminium oxide, also called alumina, is a ceramic material made of oxygen and aluminium which has many properties suitable for insulation purposes such as hardness, low electrical conductivity and insolubility in water.
Optional skills and competences 15 competences
Occupation specific
0 competencesNo competences in this bucket.
Sector-specific
6 competencesassess conservation needs
Assess and list the needs for conservation/restoration, in relation to current use and planned future use.
design objects to be crafted
Sketch, draw or design sketches and drawings from memory, live models, manufactured products or reference materials in the process of crafting and sculpting.
form moulding mixture
Form the moulding mixture adding specified amounts of materials, such as sand, clay, silica mud or plastic pellets, according to a fixed recipe, set up the controller of the melting tanks and monitor the melting process.
handle delivery of raw materials
Receive raw materials from the suppliers. Check their quality and accuracy and move them into the warehouse. Make sure that raw materials are adequately stored until they are required by the production department.
monitor stock level
Evaluate how much stock is used and determine what should be ordered.
study craft trends
Research and study trends in crafting, in order to keep up with current designs and marketing strategies.
Cross-sector
9 competencesconsult technical resources
Read and interpret technical resources such as digital or paper drawings and adjustment data in order to properly set up a machine or working tool, or to assemble mechanical equipment.
keep records of work progress
Maintain records of the progress of the work including time, defects, malfunctions, etc.
maintain equipment
Regularly inspect and perform all required activities to maintain the equipment in functional order prior or after its use.
pack fragile items for transportation
Pack fragile items such as glass panes or glass objects using the appropriate boxes and cushioning materials such as air-encapsulated plastic or customised foam enclosures to make sure the content will not move during transportation.
prepare production prototypes
Prepare early models or prototypes in order to test concepts and replicability possibilities. Create prototypes to assess for pre-production tests.
record production data for quality control
Keep records of the machine's faults, interventions and irregularities for quality control.
report defective manufacturing materials
Maintain required company records and forms in order to report any defective materials or questionable conditions of manufacturing machinery and equipment.
use personal protection equipment
Make use of protection equipment according to training, instruction and manuals. Inspect the equipment and use it consistently.
work ergonomically
Apply ergonomy principles in the organisation of the workplace while manually handling equipment and materials.