The 3d printing of the clay is based on the extrusion and feeding of the print head.
The choice of the type of printer is not the most important!
It is a question of feeding the printer’s print head with a clay cord of a few mm in diameter which will be deposited layer after layer!

The consistency of the clay

Many users feed their 3d printer with a soft, almost creamy clay… This is the case especially among Anglo-Saxons who are used to formulating the composition of their dough themselves, whereas in Europe and particularly in the Mediterranean region, Spain, France, Italy,… the clay is mainly used in bread, which is said to have a “turning” consistency, i.e. fairly firm. aa

The consistency of the clay raises questions: it depends of course on the shape to be made and its dimensions, but not only.
It is necessary that each layer adheres perfectly to the previous one.
If it is too hard, there is a risk of poor adhesion, cracks or lacks, …
Too soft, risk of collapse, too much shrinkage, deformation when drying,….

Anyone who has stuck with a clay that is a little too hard knows how difficult it is to soften it! Without a powerful machine, such as a plodder or mixer, by hand, one can only be satisfied with very limited quantities, with a lot of effort.

The 3d signature: when you look at a 3d printed piece, you notice that its surface is streaked. It is the deposition of successive layers of clay that leaves this trace.
On a shape with regular walls, you can always remove them with a simple sponge stroke or by sanding. But this is obviously impossible if the surface is complex, composed of multiple facets. You can live with it or regret it.
The question remains unanswered! Is there a way to avoid this undesirable “signature”?
We will publish the answers, contact us!

The piston extruder

Easy to clean. You can slide your hand over it… Sponge it up.
30 to 40cm long for the quantity of clay available: no need to reload too often.
Use the clay that comes directly out of the loaves, with a turning consistency, hence an adapted pressure of the piston.
See Jetclay clay extruder

The product cord is connected to the printhead by a flexible tube. The plunger is placed next to the machine and is independent.

The print head

The print head can be a simple nozzle, such as those used for compressed air blowers.
For a better control of the feed, it will be necessary to provide a worm screw system such as those proposed by Cerambot or Stone Flower.