Plate designs are no longer created by hand drawings of the actual product. Conceptually, the design stems from a sketch, but Pfaltzgraff's computer network takes this process to new heights. Designers use a Silicon Graphics workstation to create the plate decoration. The decoration file is passed across the network and the artwork is then placed onto the shape. To make certain that the design placement is accurate, a transparent shape can be seen on screen.
Designers can determine the proper angle for the design.
The computer-generated image is then printed out on a color printer or plotter. After this process is completed, workers can then decide how to mold the item. The Internet e-mail gateway also runs through these switches so that employees can continue to be updated on the latest in the stoneware industry. Bange says that as the company's needs grow, so will its network. Return to the Table of Contents .