Hump mold, drape mold and slump mold
The hump, drape or slump molds are solid structures, usually made of plaster or hardened clay, that provides a support surface and reference for modeling ceramic pieces. Placing the clay on the mold ensures that the piece maintains its shape and symmetry while being shaped on the wheel, cutting off excess or adding details. This tool is essential when producing repetitive and consistent shapes, facilitating the manufacture of dinnerware sets, series of vessels or ceramic architectural elements.
In the case of slip casting, the mold is the support on which the slip is poured. The internal shape of the mold defines the silhouette of the piece to be created, and once the humidity is absorbed by the plaster, a solid layer of clay is formed on the walls of the mold, generating a hollow piece, such as jars, teapots or vases.Interesting Fact
Long before modern industrial methods existed, ancient civilizations like the Indus Valley (3300–1300 BCE) already produced very high-quality ceramics. Remarkably, they developed molds for storage jars and other pottery items, suggesting an early form of quality control and mass production. This level of organization shows just how significant ceramics were in facilitating trade and daily life thousands of years ago.Helpful Tip
Use molds when you are looking for uniformity and consistency in your parts, especially in mass production. Make sure to keep the molds clean, free of cracks and adequately wet or dry depending on the process you use, since their condition will directly influence the quality of the final part.
