Today’s ceramics operations are a far cry from the “burnt clay” of old. Whether you're producing tiles, sanitaryware, or technical ceramics for electronics and aerospace, your plant runs on precision — and that means relying on equipment that can keep up with harsh materials and nonstop demand.
One of the most overlooked bottlenecks in ceramics manufacturing? Pumps. These hardworking components move abrasive slurries, glazes and wastewater throughout your facility — but not all pumps are built to survive the grind.
That’s why more ceramics manufacturers are switching to Wilden® Air-Operated Double-Diaphragm (AODD) Pumps — a proven solution engineered for aggressive applications, longer uptime and lower energy use.
What’s Wrong With Most Pumps in Ceramics Production?
If you're currently using centrifugal, peristaltic or progressive cavity pumps, you may be experiencing:
- Frequent wear from abrasive slurries
- Unexpected downtime due to seal failures or hose breakdowns
- High maintenance costs and complex repairs
- Excessive energy consumption, especially in plants running multiple units
Here’s a quick breakdown of how each type stacks up in ceramic environments:
| Pump Type
| Pros
| Cons
|
|---|
| Centrifugal
| High flow rates
| Poor with thick or abrasive fluids; can’t run dry; requires priming
|
| Progressive Cavity
| Smooth flow; good for viscous media
| High wear on rotor/stator; sensitive to abrasives
|
| Peristaltic
| Handles corrosive fluids; dry-run capable
| Frequent hose replacement; limited flow for high-volume needs
|
| AODD
| Highly versatile; handles solids, slurries, and dry runs
| Air usage and diaphragm wear — unless you choose the right model
|
Why Wilden AODD Pumps Are the Right Fit for Ceramics
Wilden is the original inventor of AODD technology, and it continues to lead the category with features that directly solve the toughest challenges in ceramics manufacturing.
1. Lower Air Consumption = Lower Energy Costs
The Wilden Pro-Flo® SHIFT Air Distribution System reduces air usage by up to 60%, thanks to a patented design that eliminates air waste at the end of each stroke. In real terms? One Wilden pump can do the work of two standard AODD pumps, using the same amount of air.
2. Longer Diaphragm Life = Less Downtime
Ceramic slurries are brutal on equipment. That’s why Wilden developed:
Both options are available in materials ideal for ceramics (Wil-Flex®) and designed for pumps from 1" to 3".
3. Optimized Flow Path = Less Wear and Tear
Wilden FIT Bolted Metal Pumps connect easily to your existing lines and offer a smoother internal flow that reduces turbulence, and therefore minimizes wear on both pump and product.
Real-World Applications
Wilden AODD Pumps are trusted across the ceramics industry for critical operations like:
- Ceramic slurry transfer
- Molding and casting
- Molding and casting
- Filter press feeding
- Glaze and enamel circulation
- Wastewater and sump handling
And because Wilden pumps can run dry, self-prime and handle solids, they provide the reliability and flexibility needed in high-volume, high-abrasion settings.
What’s the Bottom Line?
Wilden AODD Pumps are ideal ceramic pumps that help manufacturers:
- Extend equipment life
- Reduce maintenance and repair costs
- Cut energy usage significantly
- Improve flow consistency and process uptime
In an industry where efficiency and consistency are everything, Wilden delivers. For a deeper look at Wilden AODD Pumps in ceramics manufacturing, read the whitepaper: Improving Ceramics Production with AODD Pumps. To learn more, please contact your local distributor or click here to fill out our contact form.