Experiencing Fine Ceramics

Fine ceramics are made through a process that starts with the preparation of raw materials, molding, firing and other treatments. High purity raw materials are compounded, ground and mixed using various types of mills and then formed. Next, firing conditions are determined and the material is sintered. If required, precision grinding, polishing and other processes are carried out. In some cases, ultrasound treatment, laser machining and metallizing processes are also used. Then, reliability tests and inspections are conducted before the finished products are shipped.

First, tape-formed green sheets are cut and through holes (holes for three-dimensional wiring) are made under computer control and filled with metal paste. Then, circuits are printed on each green sheet and are laid on top of each other. These are cut into each product and are sintered in a furnace that heats up to about 1,600 degree Celsius (2,912 degree Fahrenheit). Finally, metal pins that send and receive electric signals are fitted and if necessary nickel plating or metal plating is employed, followed by cleaning. Finally, after vibration tests and reliability tests are conducted the product is complete.

The ancient cultures that have heralded the dawn of the human civilization are the four major civilizations of the Mesopotamia, Egyptian, Indus and Hwang Ho. However, in recent years more than 100 pieces of magnificent ceramic ware carved with extremely elaborate patterns have been discovered from the ruins of Liangzhu, a large civilization discovered in the middle and lower basin of China's Chang Jiang River. In many respects, the question of how this civilization carved so finely and delicately cannot be adequately explained, even supposing it had today's advanced technology.

The artistry of the world famous kilns of Meissen in Germany and the cutting-edge technology of Kyocera have been combined to create unprecedented beauty. The beautiful color, luster and unique transparency of fine ceramics, manufactured by firing high purity raw materials at ultra high temperatures, combine with the delicate hand-drawn designs characteristic of Meissen. Created through a fusion of outstanding technology and artistic skill, these valuable works of art can aptly be called treasures of the modern age.