Glazing Robot｜Supporting a Consistent Finish
- takayamahasami
- 2 hours ago
- 3 min read
The making of Hasami ware involves many different processes, including forming, decorating, glazing, and firing.
At Takayama, once the bisque-fired pieces arrive at our factory, they gradually take on their patterns and character through a series of processes such as dust removal, pad printing, underglaze decoration, and hand painting by our artisans.
This time, we would like to introduce the glazing robot process carried out on the first floor of our factory.
| What Is a Glazing Robot?
The glazing robot is used to apply glaze evenly to ceramic ware.
Glaze is a liquid material applied to ceramics before firing. It plays an important role in determining the shine, texture, and appearance of the colors after the piece has been fired.
The way glaze flows and settles varies slightly depending on the shape and size of each piece.
For this reason, controlling how the glaze is applied is an important part of achieving the desired final finish.
| Creating a Consistent Finish
By using a glazing robot, glaze can be applied with consistent and repeatable movements.
Applying glaze evenly to each piece is essential for maintaining a stable and uniform finish after firing.
Before firing, the glaze may appear white, but once the piece is fired in the kiln, it transforms and becomes part of the finished surface.
That is why carefully controlling the application of glaze is an important step in supporting the beauty of the final product.
| Combining Craftsmanship and Technology
At Takayama, we combine the skills of our craftspeople with the capabilities of machinery throughout the production process.
The glazing robot is one of the tools we use to support consistent quality, but this does not mean that the entire process is left to machines.
It is still essential to observe the condition of each piece and monitor the overall process to ensure the desired result.
The experience of our craftspeople and the consistency provided by production equipment work together.
It is this combination that supports the way we make ceramics at Takayama.
| Supporting Consistent Quality for OEM and Original Products
At Takayama, we also accept inquiries for OEM production and original product development.
When creating original tableware, not only the shape and design but also the final shine, texture, and appearance of the colors after firing are important elements.
To reproduce the finish confirmed during prototyping as consistently as possible in mass production, it is essential to control how the glaze is applied.
The glazing robot supports a stable finish by applying glaze evenly to each piece.
By combining hand-painted decoration and careful inspection by our craftspeople with the consistency provided by production equipment, we work to achieve reliable quality throughout the manufacturing process.
｜ What to Look for During a Factory Tour
During our factory tour, you may be able to see glaze being applied to the ware and observe the movements of the glazing robot up close.
It is an opportunity to see how the ceramics we use in everyday life are coated with glaze and prepared for firing.
This stage of production reveals a side of ceramic making that cannot be seen simply by looking at the finished product.
At Takayama’s OPEN FACTORY, you can experience the actual environment where our ceramics are made.
Come and see for yourself how Hasami ware passes through a series of processes before becoming a finished piece.
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