A novel method for designing glaze formulation using mathematical programming

Document Type : Article

Authors

1 Isfahan University of Technology, Golpayegan College of Engineering, Industrial Engineering Group

2 Industrial Engineering Group, Golpayegan College of Engineering, Isfahan Univesity of Technology

10.24200/j65.2024.63797.2387

Abstract

Glaze is one of the fundamental components of ceramic products such as tiles, porcelain dishes, and sanitary ceramics. The formulation of glaze is a critical and complex process, representing one of the most significant and challenging aspects within the ceramic industry. Establishing the optimal formulation for glaze production is crucial for enhancing product quality and minimizing production costs. In this study, grounded in practical experiences from a factory setting, the issue of glaze formulation is examined and analyzed using an operations research approach for the first time globally. The outcomes of the developed model were tested and successfully implemented on the production line. To ensure the practical implementation of this research within the industry and to enhance user accessibility, a user-friendly software was developed. It is crucial to recognize that different factories employ a variety of raw materials in their glaze production processes. This variation arises from factors such as the unavailability of certain raw materials, the elevated costs associated with some materials, and the expenses related to transportation. The chemical composition of raw materials varies significantly, with the percentage of oxides differing based on the specific mine and the section of the mine from which they are sourced. Consequently, determining the optimal proportion of available raw materials for producing a glaze with a specific Seger formula necessitates repeated analysis. This iterative process is essential to identify the appropriate formula, which can then be implemented in the production line. In this study, conducted with real-world data and a thorough understanding of the problem through the production process, as well as an extensive review of relevant literature, the issue of designing a glaze formula is analyzed using operations research methodology. This paper presents a novel approach to glaze formulation, which can serve as a foundation for future research in this area.

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