Expert: Leisha Hiester - 1/10/2009

Question
Can you tell me about all the steps I need to make ceramic poker chips? I have looked everywhere and I still don't know how they're made. If there is a link that explains it you can send that instead.

Answer
Dear Joonho/Simon,

Admittedly, I know very little about poker, other than the few hands I beat my brothers at growing up.

From what I can gather there is a growing trend to produce ceramic poker chips and a growing debate about their definition. Ceramic is desirable because it allows for the desired weight of a chip and very detailed graphics or images.

Most are made from clay or a composite. The clay chips are produced by a compression method, similar to that of tile compression. A machine called a 'Ram Press' is used. Dies are created and air compression utilized for the 2 1/2 or more ton pressing capacity.

Here's a site showing a photo of a Ram Press. http://www.ramprocess.com/TableTop/index.htm
Hope this helps.
Leisha