Firing Process In Ceramics

The firing process is the key step in the manufacturing of ceramic products because it controls their properties.

Firing process in ceramics.

It dates back nearly 30 000 years ago. Electric kiln firing is one of the most common methods for firing clay because electric pottery kilns are readily available and simple to install. The melting that occurs is on the molecular level. The cold water halts the firing process.

The firing process is measured in cones a standard unit of measurement that accounts for time and temperature. The earth is used to make the pot then it s put into a reduction chamber kiln then plunged into water. The final aim is to heat the object to the point that the clay and glazes are mature that is that they have reached their optimal level of melting. However there comes a point when it is useful to understand the process that clay goes through during drying and firing.

Pit firing is an atmospheric process all of the colors and patterns are derived from the process and what is consume in the fire. Firing clay is the most critical part of the ceramics process because it is the one thing that makes clay durable hence ceramic. Firing is the process of bringing clay and glazes up to a high temperature. The drying and firing process many potters especially beginners use prepared clays without much thought.

7 4 firing conditions used in the manufacture of waste based fired bricks. The purpose of this initial firing is to turn your pottery into ceramic material. The next step is to put the piece into the kiln for the first round of firing called a bisque firing. The materials experience irreversible structural changes reaching the proper ceramic structure that is responsible for the final properties of the product.

Waterproof decorative or functional glazes may be added prior to the first firing or may require a subsequent firing more common. This process is done typically in a hole in the ground or a pit pots are placed in the pit and burned. The firing process supplies the energy to form new chemical bonds in the material vitrification and sometimes new minerals e g mullite forms from kaolin in the firing of porcelain. In raku firing all of nature s elements are used earth fire air and water.

Raku firing really is one of the most natural techniques that you can encounter in pottery. This can help troubleshoot many of the problems you experience with your pieces. Firing clay is necessary to create durable wares and the more you know about the ceramic firing process the more control and success you will have with your pots. That s why we decided to post this excerpt from linda bloomfield s book science for potters as a handy guide to just what happens inside the kiln when firing pottery.