Cratering phenomena: what they are, how they develop and how to manage them

Cratering phenomena are defects that appear as microscopic craters on the surface of ceramic bodies on which an aqueous (and still drying) suspension has been discharged.

It is an application problem that leads to a misalignment of the suspension due to the presence of one or more dips.

The problem, that is already visible along the glazing line and not only after the firing process, may arise for several reasons: for example due to the presence of impurity within the ceramic raw materials or because of an improper use of defoamers.

The episode try to offer a list of the most important causes, pointing out the mechanisms behind the problem, also providing some suggestions to prevent and/or eliminate it.