Using electrical resistance to monitor the moisture content of ceramic material for bust sculpture manufacture.

摘要

A three dimensional bust sculpture is produced by coating a pre-shaped former 1 made of low density thermoplastic with a wet ceramic material 2. The moisture content of the ceramic material is monitored by means of its electrical resistance, using connections 4 and computer 5. The former must be removed before the sculpture over contracts in order to prevent cracking. The assessed wetness of the ceramic material determines when the computer initiates the delivery of a chemical to dissolve the former by means of devices 3 and 6, or, alternatively, energises an electrical heater (8, figure 7) to degrade the former. Upon removal of the former the sculpture is transferred to a kiln for firing.