Article: Parametric design in ceramic product form generation and manufacturing optimisation Journal: International Journal of Materials and Product Technology (IJMPT) 2026 Vol.70 No.6 pp.99 - 122 Abstract: Traditional methods of design for ceramics are inefficient due to a lack of innovative solutions in addition to precision issues with manufacturing. This paper provides a modelling approach that utilises NURBS, parameter-based design and the NSGA-II multi-objective optimisation process to mitigate some of these challenges. The morphological characteristics of the design are transformed into a parameterised controllable design space and used in conjunction with process parameters (which include shrinkage rates and sintering temperatures) and performance metrics (such as structural strength) for the purposes of determining objective measures. The iterative process carried out by the NSGA-II algorithm determines Pareto-optimal solutions, each demonstrating a balance between aesthetics and manufacturability. The following statistics were generated reflecting improvements over the initial population: average structural stiffness had an increase from approximately 55 N/mm to approximately 75 N/mm; average material usage decreased from approximately 81,000 to approximately 65,000 units; median maximum geometric deviation decreased from 1.62 mm to approximately 0.57 mm. The method enables efficient generation of complex free-form ceramic designs with enhanced strength, reduced material consumption and superior dimensional accuracy. Inderscience Publishers - linking academia, business and industry through research

Title: Parametric design in ceramic product form generation and manufacturing optimisation

Authors: Liwen Yu; Yao Chen

Addresses: School of Arts and Design, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, Guangdong, China ' School of Arts and Design, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, Guangdong, China

Abstract: Traditional methods of design for ceramics are inefficient due to a lack of innovative solutions in addition to precision issues with manufacturing. This paper provides a modelling approach that utilises NURBS, parameter-based design and the NSGA-II multi-objective optimisation process to mitigate some of these challenges. The morphological characteristics of the design are transformed into a parameterised controllable design space and used in conjunction with process parameters (which include shrinkage rates and sintering temperatures) and performance metrics (such as structural strength) for the purposes of determining objective measures. The iterative process carried out by the NSGA-II algorithm determines Pareto-optimal solutions, each demonstrating a balance between aesthetics and manufacturability. The following statistics were generated reflecting improvements over the initial population: average structural stiffness had an increase from approximately 55 N/mm to approximately 75 N/mm; average material usage decreased from approximately 81,000 to approximately 65,000 units; median maximum geometric deviation decreased from 1.62 mm to approximately 0.57 mm. The method enables efficient generation of complex free-form ceramic designs with enhanced strength, reduced material consumption and superior dimensional accuracy.

Keywords: parametric design; multi-objective optimisation; ceramic product; form generation; manufacturing process modelling.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMPT.2026.155363

International Journal of Materials and Product Technology, 2026 Vol.70 No.6, pp.99 - 122

Received: 27 Jan 2026
Accepted: 17 Apr 2026
Published online: 30 Jul 2026 *

Title: Parametric design in ceramic product form generation and manufacturing optimisation

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