[Report] Kiln Furniture Industry Market Research, Trends an

INTRODUCTION

Kiln furniture is defined as a carrier support, which is made of refractories and is the seat for providing the base for ceramic materials (such as potteries, engine spark plugs and electronic ceramic components) during firing. Kiln furniture comes in different sizes, shapes and materials depending on the ceramic materials that will be used for firing in the furnace. The main characteristics of kiln furniture should be high refractoriness, thermal stability (particularly thermal shock resistance), mechanical strength, and chemical inertness toward the ceramic materials it supports and carries for firing.

A variety of compositions are used in making kiln furniture. The ceramic materials to be fired, the temperature and firing atmosphere primarily dictate the type of kiln furniture and kiln furniture material used. Commercially used kiln furniture materials consist of cordierite, high alumina, re-crystallized silicon carbide, and sometimes, stabilized zirconia. The method of kiln furniture manufacture can be slip casting, casting, pressing, or extrusion.

The kiln furniture market depends largely on the general economy and, hence, is subject to vicissitudes with the economic movement. Since kiln furniture is used repeatedly for running through the firing cycle several times, the need for new kiln furniture is limited. The market for low-temperature firing, like ceramic earthenware and tableware, provides the maximum volume. The high alumina market is governed primarily by automotive manufacturing (for firing spark plugs); re-crystallized silicon carbide provides the main support for strength and firing in an inert atmosphere. Stabilized zirconia is coming into use only recently because of its inherent thermal stability problem.

The report will provide the different types of kiln furniture currently used in the market, along with their improvements and modifications, their manufacturing process, company profiles of the manufacturers, and the current status and future prospects of the market.

REASONS FOR STUDY AND ITS IMPORTANCE

Kiln furniture industries are playing an important role in modern times. Kiln furniture is an important means for firing not only earthenware materials and crockeries, but also a variety of ceramic components. With the modern day expansion of electronic ceramics and computers, kiln furniture is playing a vital role as a support medium for firing. It is a necessity that the kiln furniture is stable and is neutral towards the materials that are fired in the kiln. It should also be able to perform repetitive firing with minimum damage due to thermal cycling. New kiln furniture formulations that enable firing of various compositions entered the market in recent years. Thus, it is imperative that a thorough study of the kiln furniture industry be made to have a comprehensive idea of the materials, process and economics of the trade.

OBJECTIVE OF STUDY AND ITS CONTRIBUTION

The objective of the study is to discuss the developments in materials, methods and processes that are currently available for the users. To cope with the developments in the ceramic industries (electronic ceramics, in particular), the kiln furniture designers and manufacturers need to be aware of the available materials and processes that will enable them to provide appropriate service to the industry. In this study a comprehensive report will be provided regarding the various materials, compositions and designs of kiln furniture and will offer the users a thorough understanding of their options. It will be important for manufacturers and users of kiln furniture to study the report, which will provide them with their choice and options regarding making and using kiln furniture.

AUDIENCE FOR REPORT

This report will help a large number of people associated with high-temperature processing of materials. All ceramic materials need to be heated before they can be used. Ranging from the low-temperature firing of materials, such as earthenware materials (e.g., crockeries, china ware and porcelains), to the high-temperature firing of spark plugs, everyone should benefit from the report since it covers the whole spectrum of the industry. The industry's rising sector-the firing of ceramic parts used in the electronic industries for computers controls and peripherals-needs to know what types of kiln furniture are available in the market and how to select kiln furniture for their use. This report will provide a detailed report, which will help meet the needs relating to specific purposes.

SCOPE AND CONTENT OF REPORT

The report will cover different types of kiln furniture available in the market. All the types of kiln furniture will be discussed in detail with complete descriptions of how they are made, from raw material selection to firing and ultimate product use. The report will provide a distinct classification of the different types of kiln furniture and their properties so that the informed reader will be able to make a judgment on the specific needs of kiln furniture.

The report will contain:

Classification of kiln furniture
Properties of kiln furniture
Method of manufacturing
Selection of kiln furniture for specific use
Current and future markets for the different types of kiln furniture
Future prospects of presently used and new types of kiln furniture.

From the report it will be easier for kiln furniture users and manufacturers to make an optimal decision about their selection.

METHODOLOGY AND INFORMATION SOURCES

Market information has been acquired from the manufacturers and users of kiln furniture. The available information gotten directly from these sources will be compiled and then put into proper perspective from the makers and users of kiln furniture. The importance of kiln furniture has become increased because of the significant growth of the electronic ceramic industry in the past several years.

The report is written from the acquired knowledge of the author from personal experience and from the literature. It is also written directly from dialogue with the makers and users of kiln furniture to give an overall perspective of the industry.