| How to... Select the right shelves for your kiln. |
Selecting the right kiln shelves for your particular
use and application is important. As with virtually any product, you
can over-spend on your kiln furniture or you can "cut corners"
and end up with shelves which last for only a few firings. When deciding
on shelves you will have two important choices: (1) the material from
which the shelves are made, and (2) the thickness of the actual shelf.
The price difference between a 5/8" and a 3/4" shelf is
minimal, but the price difference between a cordierite shelf and a
silicon carbide or nitride bonded shelf is significant.
In order to make the right buying
decision, consider:
- The temperature at which you will be firing.
- Your kiln atmosphere (reduction or oxidation).
- Frequency of firing.
|
Kiln Shelf Buying Guide |
Firing
Temperature |
|
Kiln
Atmosphere |
|
Shelf
Composition |
|
Shelf
Thickness |
|
| Cone 06 |
|
Oxidation |
|
Cordierite |
|
1/2" or 5/8" |
|
| Cone 1 |
|
Oxidation |
|
Cordierite |
|
5/8" or 3/4" |
|
| Cone 5 |
|
Oxidation |
|
Cordierite |
|
3/4" or 1" |
| |
|
Reduction |
|
Cordierite |
|
3/4" or 1" |
| |
|
Reduction |
|
Silicon
Carbide* |
|
5/8" or 3/4" |
| |
|
Oxidation or
Reduction |
|
Nitride
Bonded* |
|
.394" or .5" |
|
| Cone 10 |
|
Oxidation |
|
Cordierite |
|
1" |
| |
|
Reduction |
|
Cordierite |
|
1" |
| |
|
Reduction |
|
Silicon
Carbide* |
|
5/8" or 3/4" |
| |
|
Oxidation or
Reduction |
|
Nitride
Bonded* |
|
.394" or .5" |
|
Other refractories such as high alumina shelves are available on a special order basis. The cost
is significantly higher than the silicon carbide shelves listed
above.
*When choosing Silicon Carbide and Nitride Bonded shelf thickness, shelf span and weight of ware is a much more significant factor than firing temperature. |
|
