AbstractsEngineering

"One of the great problems facing the Ceramic industry today is the production of perfect brick by the dry press process. This problem has been of vital importance because of the physical defects obtained in the dry pressing operation due to the ununiform transmission of pressure in the ware produced. As a result of this ununiform transmission of pressure, strains, cracks, differential shrinkage, low strength, and laminations have been accentuated after the firing of the body. Pressure transmission is influenced by several factors: the size and shape of grog and clay grain, the time and duration of pressure application, the physical character of the mix, the occluded air, and the lubrication of the mold box. These factors have all been investigated and their affects noted. Lubrication of the mold box has been attempted with various lubricants including oils, emulsions, and water itself, but a survey of the literature fails to reveal any published information regarding the electrical lubrication of the dry press" – Introduction, p. 2-3.