Redefining Density Measurement in Ceramics

• Published in: Ceramic Industry 2018-06, Vol.168 (6), p.21-23
• Main Author: Smewing, Jo
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Ceramics; Density measurement; Gases; Innovations; Lasers; Manufacturers; Manufacturing; Measurement; Measurement techniques; Mercury (metal); Methods; Physical properties; Product quality; Scanners
• ISSN: 0009-0220; 2328-4072

Measuring density is crucial for the manufacture of many of today's products. Being able to characterize the structure and quality of solid materials quickly and efficiently can not only help guide development and manufacturing processes, it also influences the quality of the end products. Measuring the density of ceramics has historically been challenging, however, as traditional mercury displacement methods are toxic and therefore undesirable. In fact, they are now illegal in the European Union. Innovation in this area is helping to redefine density measurement; developments in laser scanners, among other techniques, now offer valuable insights into single solid products. Many measurement techniques can be used to determine the density and volume of solid materials. However, most approaches exclude the presence of void spaces, thereby decreasing the accuracy of the testing. It is therefore important to first consider the physical characteristics of the sample material, as well as to ensure that void volumes are included in final calculations.