Abstract Many ceramic manufacturing companies use three-dimensional (3D) computer-aided design (CAD) software and 3D printing technologies to produce design concept models for evaluation. Although the value to the design process is limited due to the types of material that can be printed, conventional modeling and processing methods still need to be used to achieve a design concept model in a real material. A solution is desired that delivers a prototype that looks and feels like the final product and which can be fully tested for functionality, glaze, and decoration. In collaboration with Denby Pottery as the industrial partner, this research project has refined and enhanced the 3D ceramic printing process already developed at the University of the West of England, and has enabled the production of concept models of new design ideas in a real ceramic material, printed directly from CAD data, fired, glazed, and decorated.