Clay 3D printing has emerged as a captivating technique within the ceramics community, sparking discussions and, at times, differing viewpoints among potters. Understanding this innovative process is crucial for fostering constructive dialogue and appreciating its artistic potential. As a potter who embraces both traditional and contemporary methods, I aim to offer a balanced perspective on the world of 3d Printed Ceramics.
My journey with clay began with traditional sculpting and wheel throwing, skills I honed over many years. It was an injury sustained while working at the pottery wheel that led me to explore alternative avenues. In 2019, clay 3D printing was gaining momentum globally, and I was drawn to this nascent art form. Slowly, I began to reconsider my preconceived notions about technology and its role in artistic creation.
Contrary to my initial assumptions, I quickly discovered that 3D printing in clay was not a simpler path for a potter. The physical demands of clay preparation, machine setup, and numerous pre-printing processes were aspects I had underestimated. After dedicating time to learning 3D design software, I acquired my clay 3D printer in 2021. The subsequent months were filled with experimentation – refining clay consistency, exploring forms, and mastering printer operation – all essential steps in establishing myself as a contemporary artist working with this technology.
Often misunderstood, the clay 3D printer should be viewed as another tool in the potter’s arsenal, akin to the pottery wheel or electric kiln. Like any tool, mastering it requires a learning curve. My personal experience underscores this: clay 3D printing demands not only a comprehensive understanding of traditional pottery processes—clay handling, decoration, and firing—but also proficiency in 3D modeling and print preparation.
Surprisingly, the pioneers in modifying and building early clay 3D printers were often artists themselves, not just engineers.
Mandelbulb Urn 3D printed in clay by Jonathan Keep
Random Growth series 3D printed ceramic art by Jonathan Keep
Sound Surface Series ceramic sculpture created with 3D printing by Jonathan Keep
Jonathan Keep Leicester Exhibition showcasing 3D printed ceramic forms
Exhibition view of Jonathan Keep's 3D printed ceramic art
Close-up of 3D printed ceramic pieces displayed at Jonathan Keep's Leicester Exhibition
Jonathan Keep, a leading figure in clay 3D printing, exemplifies this pioneering spirit. After earning his MA from the Royal College of Art in London, he designed and built his own ceramic 3D printer, generously sharing the build instructions online. Keep utilizes advanced technology to create clay forms that “question the reality we create for ourselves.” He subtly promotes the idea that clay 3D printing is a natural progression in pottery’s evolution, similar to the introduction of the electric pottery wheel in the early 20th century.
The evolution of art is inextricably linked to technological advancements. Our understanding of art is constantly reshaped as artists explore new avenues of self-expression.
Ceramic 3D Printer designed and built by Taekyeom Lee in 2022
MFA Thesis project by Taekyeom Lee featuring 3D printed ceramic typography
Collection with Gravity series of 3D printed ceramics by Taekyeom Lee
Portrait of Taekyeom Lee, designer and assistant professor working with ceramic 3D printing
Taekyeom Lee, an award-winning designer and assistant professor of Graphic Design at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, also built his own ceramic 3D printer. He perceives clay as a form of “ink,” creating “tangible typography” through his 3D-printed works. In a thought-provoking statement, Lee remarked, “Don’t you think that if Da Vinci had access to these new technological tools that he would not use them?” It’s a valid point that encourages reflection, even if some may disagree.
Examining both wheel throwing and 3D printing reveals surprising parallels, despite their differing execution.
On the pottery wheel, a potter begins with a compressed clay ball, shaping it by hand as the wheel rotates. The wheel’s stability and the potter’s control over speed are crucial for achieving desired forms. This process demands considerable skill and practice. Once formed, the piece must dry before further sculpting, decorating, and the final kiln firing.
In contrast, a potter using a clay 3D printer sculpts forms virtually using CAD (computer-aided design) software and prepares the 3D model for printing. Setting printer speed and material extrusion rate are critical parameters influencing the accuracy of the 3D printed ceramic. Mastering these aspects also requires practice and skill. Clay is then loaded into the printer, ready for extrusion. The printer employs a coiling method, depositing clay layer by layer as the print head moves. After printing, the piece needs to dry before any manual sculpting, smoothing, decoration, and kiln firing.
Comparing these techniques, creating an object with a 3D printer can often be more time-consuming than using a pottery wheel. The misconception that 3D printing inherently equates to mass production is prevalent but inaccurate, especially in the context of studio pottery. Mass production necessitates large-scale industrial machinery and extensive manpower, beyond the scope of a single potter utilizing a studio 3D printer.
Collapsed clay 3D print during the printing process, a common challenge in ceramic 3D printing
Collection of vases broken during kiln firing, illustrating the fragility and challenges of ceramic art, including 3D printed pieces
Earthenware Clay 3D Print showcasing the surface texture and form achievable with ceramic 3D printing
Fossil 24 Stoneware clay 3D print (165mm x 195mm) demonstrating intricate detail possible with this technology
Slip casting provides a relevant comparison. Potters pour liquid clay into molds to create uniform shapes, suitable for individual pieces or multiples. How different is this from repeatedly 3D printing a form, or using a 3D-printed piece to create a mold?
3D printing is widely recognized for rapid prototyping, enabling makers to produce items faster than outsourcing manufacturing. Hobbyists often opt for affordable FDM (fused deposition modeling) 3D printers. However, 3D printing with filaments (thermoplastics) differs significantly from clay 3D printing. While both printer types perform additive manufacturing, their engineering is distinct. Clay 3D printers utilize air pressure or mechanical systems to extrude clay, eliminating the need for heating.
Contrary to popular perception, achieving filament-printer precision in clay 3D prints is exceptionally challenging.
Tom Lauerman demonstrating his dual-color clay 3D printer in operation
Clay 3D prints by Tom Lauerman created with his dual-extrusion ceramic 3D printer, showcasing color and form complexity
Profile portrait of Tom Lauerman, artist and educator specializing in ceramic 3D printing
Two-tone color print option B example of multi-material ceramic 3D printing
Two-tone colour print sample from Tom Lauerman's dual extrusion clay 3D printer
Tom Lauerman, an artist and Penn State University educator, dedicated years to refining clay 3D printing techniques. Early in his experimentation, when the field was nascent, he faced criticism for seemingly trying to emulate plastic printers. Lauerman questioned, “Why not?” and pursued geometric clay sculptures with remarkable precision, even by today’s standards. He notes that setting up and calibrating his custom-built dual extrusion clay 3D printer was painstaking. Careful consideration of design challenges is paramount before translating an idea into a print-ready 3D model.
Marlieke Wijnakker, co-founder of VormVrij®, which designs and builds LUTUM® clay 3D printers, utilizes the technology to create detailed sculptural busts. After 3D scanning a subject, the digital model is 3D printed in clay. Wijnakker then hand-sculpts intricate details that the printer cannot achieve. While potentially unconventional, her portrait busts offer a compelling alternative to traditional, lengthy portrait sittings.
Marlieke Wijnakker in her studio at VormVrij®, showcasing the workspace of a ceramic 3D printing artist
Portrait of Marlieke Wijnakker, artist and co-founder of VormVrij®, a company specializing in clay 3D printers
It’s crucial to recognize artists who bridge diverse artistic domains, even if their methods differ from our own preferences. Their innovative application of techniques should prompt inquiry and reflection. Embracing this “questioning” mindset has broadened my appreciation for art forms I might have previously dismissed.
Ryan Barrett, winner of the Great Pottery Throwdown 2017, is another potter who built his own ceramic 3D printer. His breathtaking works resemble vibrant tapestries, composed of over 10,000 clay coil layers, reflecting his passion for textile design. At first glance, his pieces evoke a sense of familiarity, but closer inspection reveals intricate designs and meticulous detail.
Ryan Barrett, ceramic artist known for his tapestry-like 3D printed clay works
Ryan Barrett in his studio, a ceramic artist utilizing 3D printing to create complex forms
Ryan Barrett Porcelain Clay 3D printed artwork highlighting the material and delicate nature of his creations
Intentionality is paramount in design, regardless of whether you are hand-building a sculpture or crafting a 3D model digitally. Both approaches involve actively shaping an idea into tangible form. My aim is not to convince everyone that clay 3D printing is universally appealing, nor to assert the superiority of one pottery technique over another. Instead, I advocate for considering it with an open mind before dismissing it outright.
Ultimately, regardless of a potter’s chosen method, clay itself possesses an inherent character, preserving the artist’s interaction within its form. And as all potters know, the kiln ultimately has the final word. Cracks, breaks, or even explosions in the kiln are universal experiences in ceramics – perhaps the one thing all potters can unequivocally agree upon!
Hendrien Horn is an award-winning artist and author, recognized as South Africa’s first contemporary clay 3D printing artist. She operates from her Pretoria pottery studio, conducting workshops and participating in numerous exhibitions across South Africa. In 2022, she received the prestigious Corobrik Award at the Ceramic Southern Africa National Competition. Her artwork, “Plutonic Form: Existing in the Abstract,” is part of the permanent collection at the Pretoria Art Museum. She also presents talks nationally and offers online courses for beginner potters and 3D clay makers. Her book, “Let’s Clay 3D Print! A Guidebook,” released on July 5th, features clay 3D printing artists and industry experts worldwide.
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Photos courtesy of the artists.
Tags: Hendrien HornJonathan KeepMarlieke WijnakkerRyan BarrettTaekyeom LeeTom Lauerman
