1. Visual & Surface Defects (Most Critical – Often Major/Minor Defects)
These are usually the first and most frequent issues found during inspection.
- Cracks (including hairline/microcracks) – structural failure risk
- Chips / Edge damage / Notches – especially on rims, edges, and corners
- Pinholes – tiny holes from trapped air bubbles in glaze
- Blisters / Bubbles – raised or burst bubbles on surface
- Crazing – fine network of cracks in glaze (often appears later)
- Crawling / Glaze shrinkage – glaze pulls away exposing body
- Uneven glaze / Glaze skip / Patchy areas – missing or thin glaze spots
- Stains / Spots / Inclusions / Dirt specks – foreign particles or discoloration
- Color variations / Shade differences – inconsistency within batch or vs. approved sample
Tip → Inspect under good lighting (natural + artificial) and at different angles. Run fingers over surface for smoothness.
2. Dimensional & Shape Accuracy
Ceramics shrink during firing → tolerances are tight.
- Size consistency (length, width, diameter, height) – check against specs
- Warpage / Flatness – especially important for plates, tiles, and flat items
- Capacity (for cups/bowls) – liquid volume accuracy
- Thickness uniformity
- Straightness / Alignment of handles, spouts, and rims
3. Glaze & Finish Quality (Aesthetic + Functional)
- Smoothness & evenness – no rough spots, bumps, or sharp edges
- Gloss / Matte uniformity – consistent shine level
- No bubbles, pinholes, or flow marks in glaze
- Adhesion – glaze shouldn’t peel or flake (test with light scratch if allowed)
4. Functional & Performance Tests
- Strength / Impact resistance – drop/chip test simulation
- Water absorption rate – especially for porous ceramics
- Scratch / Cutlery marking resistance – glaze hardness (Mohs scale)
- Sound test (for bone china/porcelain) – clear ring when tapped gently
- Translucency (high-quality porcelain) – light should pass through evenly
5. Packaging & Labeling (Final Inspection Stage)
- Correct quantity per carton
- Proper shipping marks & assortment
- No damage from poor packing (chips often occur here)
- Correct labels, logos, and warnings (especially food safety)