CRANKS

Cranks are particular types of refractory supports, most often used in the glost (glaze) and decoration firings of ceramic flatware such as plates, dishes etc. and also tiles. Cranks are generally built up into stacks separated by fixed legs or by refractory distance pieces, known in the industry as ‘dots’.

IPS Ceramics manufactures a wide range of cranks and all systems are designed to provide optimum ware support and maximum kiln fill.

We offer a range of designs to suit a variety of ware profiles and setting configurations:

• Pin Cranks
• T-Supports
• Y-Supports
• Pinless Cranks
• Spider Cranks
• Total Foot Supports (TFS)

We assist with the crank design and provide all the pins and dots with the correct cross-section for each individual item. Our Data Sheets show the wide range of sizes and configurations that we regularly offer, but new ceramic products and shapes mean that the IPS Design Department is constantly coming up with new specifications.

Pin Cranks

The rim support Pin Crank System has been designed to give a high stability, long life and minimum refractory-to-ware weight ratio. The unit consists of one base, one cover and three uprights; this system is fully interchangeable with standard D bases and covers ranging from 114mm to 311mm. A multi-fitting base and cover is available for ware sizes of up to 330mm diameter. Although our uprights will accommodate one of three different cross-sections of pin, they are universal and will fit into any base or cover required.

The upright can be chosen to enable maximum kiln fill to be obtained dependent on placing height available.

Features:

• Maximum kiln fill and full fuel efficiency.
• Minimum pin to ware contact area.
• Perfect accommodation of either 10mm, 6mm or 5mm ceramic pins for different weights of ware.
• Perfect fit to a normal kiln car prop and batt spacings through a wide choice of lengths.
• Tapered ends for a precision fit into all Bases and Covers resulting in a highly stable structure ideal for even the most rigorous firing.

T-Supports

T-pieces are designed to support the ware at three points around the foot during glost firing. By use of this system, the maximum amount of support can be achieved with the minimum amount of refractory material. T-pieces are designed to be placed in bungs (stacks of saggars) on kiln cars and ware can be loaded directly into the bung without removing it. Increased placing heights between cranks can be achieved by the use of specially produced spacers.

Y-Supports

These cranks have been designed to provide the maximum amount of support during the glost firing operation. The legs of the crank radiate at 120° to each other and the crank has an integral leg. This crank can be used for the glost firing of high quality ware and each piece needs to be individually placed upon the crank before the next crank can be placed to make up the bung.

Slots are available on the upper surface to accommodate pins to enable point contact with the ware and good air-flow across the ware to enable complete vitrification of the glaze.

Pinless Cranks

Pinless T-cranks are flat in section and have integral legs. The cranks are designed to be placed in bungs on kiln cars and again ware can be loaded directly into the bung. Increased placing heights between cranks can be achieved by the use of specially produced spacers.

Slots are available on the upper surface to accommodate pins to give point contact with the ware and good air-flow across the ware to enable complete vitrification of the glaze.

Pinless Y-cranks are designed to support the foot of the ware at three points during the glost firing. The cranks have integral legs and pins and are designed so that they can be placed in bungs on kiln cars and ware can be loaded directly.

The cranks contain integral pins on their upper surface to enable point contact to be made with the ware during firing. The use of these integral pins also enables better circulation of air around the ware, thereby ensuring complete maturity of the glaze.

Total Foot Support Setters/Spider Cranks

Total Foot Supports (TFS) are predominantly used for once-fired tableware, to help prevent distortion during firing. We can produce a range of shapes and sizes with either integral or separate legs, from traditional robust setters to modern lightweight designs.