Ceramic Production Process

From Raw Materials to Finished Ceramic Tableware

At Donglin Homeware, ceramic production follows a structured process from raw material preparation and forming to decoration, firing, inspection and final packaging.

Depending on the product material, shape, decoration method and order requirement, different forming and finishing processes may be applied.

We support OEM, ODM, wholesale and private label ceramic tableware projects for global B2B customers, including importers, retailers, brands, distributors, gift companies and HoReCa buyers.

Our objective is to maintain:

Stable Production + Consistent Quality + Flexible Customization + Reliable Export Support

 

1. Raw Material & Clay Selection

Suitable ceramic raw materials are selected according to the required product body and application.

Depending on the project, materials may include:

• New Bone China
• Porcelain
• Reinforced Porcelain
• Stoneware

Material composition and body formulation should be confirmed according to the final product specification.

2. Master Mold Development

For shaped ceramic products, master molds are developed according to approved dimensions and design requirements.

This stage helps control:

• Product proportion
• Rim profile
• Foot shape
• Wall thickness
• Overall dimensions
• Shape consistency

For custom OEM and ODM projects, mold development can be discussed according to the buyer's drawing, sample or concept.

3. Ceramic Forming

Different forming methods may be used depending on the product shape and material.

Possible processes include:

• Roller forming
• Slip casting
• High-pressure casting
• Press forming
• Other suitable ceramic forming methods

The final forming method should be confirmed according to the specific product.

4. Green Body Drying

After forming, the unfired ceramic body is dried under controlled conditions.

Proper drying helps reduce the risk of:

• Warping
• Cracking
• Uneven shrinkage
• Dimensional instability

Drying conditions vary according to body composition, wall thickness and product shape.

5. Surface Preparation

Before decoration or glazing, the green or biscuit-fired body may undergo surface preparation.

This may include:

• Trimming
• Edge finishing
• Surface cleaning
• Minor polishing
• Shape correction where applicable

The exact process depends on the ceramic body and decoration method.

Decoration & Surface Finishing

6. Pad Printing

Pad printing may be used for suitable logos, patterns or localized decoration.

This process can support:

• Small-area decoration
• Logo application
• Repeated pattern placement
• Selected branding elements

Color performance and durability depend on the decoration system and firing process.

7. Decal Application

Ceramic decals can be applied to suitable products for more detailed or multi-color decoration.

Typical applications include:

• Floral patterns
• Botanical motifs
• Brand graphics
• Seasonal artwork
• Custom illustrations
• Private label decoration

Decal type and firing conditions should be selected according to the ceramic body, glaze and decoration requirement.

8. Decal Firing

After decal application, decorated products may undergo additional firing where required.

This process helps bond the ceramic decoration to the glazed surface.

Actual firing temperature and process depend on the type of decal and ceramic system.

9. Hand-Painted Edge or Detail

Selected products may include hand-finished decorative details.

Possible applications include:

• Hand-painted rims
• Line detailing
• Brush accents
• Decorative edges
• Artistic surface details

Because this is a manual process, slight variation may occur and can form part of the handcrafted character of the product.

 

Glazing

10. Machine Glazing

For suitable product lines, glaze can be applied through mechanized processes to improve coating consistency and production efficiency.

The final glaze system depends on:

• Ceramic material
• Product shape
• Surface design
• Decoration requirement
• Firing schedule

11. Hand Glazing

Hand glazing may be used for:

• Selected shapes
• Smaller production runs
• Special glaze effects
• Decorative finishes
• More artisanal product concepts

Hand glazing may naturally create subtle variation between pieces.

Kiln Preparation & Firing

12. Automated Kiln Loading

For applicable production lines, products can be arranged for kiln firing through standardized or automated loading processes.

Proper kiln loading helps maintain:

• Air circulation
• Firing efficiency
• Stable heat distribution
• Production consistency

13. Manual Kiln Loading

Some products, particularly irregular shapes, larger pieces or special decorative products, may require manual kiln loading.

Loading method depends on:

• Product size
• Shape
• Kiln structure
• Firing method
• Production configuration

14. High-Temperature Firing

Ceramic products are fired according to the requirements of the selected ceramic body and glaze system.

Firing temperature and cycle vary by:

• Material
• Product thickness
• Decoration
• Glaze
• Intended performance

Rather than using one fixed firing temperature for all products, the final firing schedule should be confirmed according to the specific ceramic specification.

15. Kiln Cooling & Unloading

After firing, products are cooled according to the applicable kiln process before unloading.

Controlled cooling helps reduce thermal stress and supports dimensional stability.

Quality Control

16. Kiln Sorting

After unloading, products are sorted according to defined quality criteria.

Inspection may include:

• Shape
• Glaze appearance
• Decoration
• Color consistency
• Surface defects
• Rim condition
• Foot condition
• Deformation
• Cracking

Acceptance standards should be confirmed according to the buyer's approved specification.

17. Final Quality Inspection

Before packaging, products may undergo additional quality inspection according to project requirements.

Inspection scope can include:

• Visual appearance
• Dimensions
• Weight
• Decoration placement
• Logo position
• Lid fit
• Cup and saucer fit
• Handle condition
• Packaging preparation

For B2B projects, inspection standards can be aligned with the approved sample and purchase specification.

Packaging & Delivery

18. Packaging

Packaging can be developed according to the product type, sales channel and shipping requirement.

Possible packaging options include:

• Bulk export carton
• Inner box
• Color box
• Gift box
• Window box
• Protective insert
• Foam or molded protection
• Retail-ready packaging
• Private label packaging

Final packaging specifications should be confirmed before mass production.

19. Export & Delivery

Completed orders can be prepared for domestic or international delivery according to the agreed trade and logistics arrangement.

Export coordination may include:

• Carton marking
• Palletization
• Container loading
• Order consolidation
• Export documentation
• Shipment coordination

Lead time depends on product, quantity, decoration, packaging and production schedule.

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OEM & ODM Custom Ceramic Services

We provide flexible OEM and ODM ceramic tableware development for international B2B buyers.

Customization may include:

• Product shape
• Mold development
• Material
• Color
• Glaze
• Pattern
• Decal
• Brand logo
• Backstamp
• Capacity
• Dimensions
• Packaging
• Gift set configuration
• Private label branding

We recommend buyers share their target market, product application, design direction and technical expectations at the beginning of the project.

This helps us evaluate the most suitable production method and specification.

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Procurement Specification Table

Standard Procurement Information

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SKU-Level Procurement Specification

Discuss Your Ceramic Project With Us

Tell us your:

Material preference / Product shape / Dimensions / Capacity / Decoration / Logo / Packaging / MOQ target / Market requirements

If some specifications are not yet confirmed, you can also send us:

• Reference images
• Drawings
• Existing samples
• Mood boards
• Target price positioning
• Intended use scenario

Our team can help evaluate the appropriate material, forming process, decoration method, packaging and production plan for your project.

OEM | ODM | Wholesale | Private Label | Custom Packaging | Gift Solutions

Contact Our B2B Sales Team for Product Specifications & Quotation