Ceramic Materials

IPS Ceramics has developed a number of complex, high performing ceramic materials which are formed (or shaped) in a number of different ways, including casting, pressing and extrusion. These materials are for the most part based on Cordierite, which is a magnesium aluminosilicate exhibiting low and uniform thermal expansion, and Mullite, the only compound of alumina and silica that is stable at high temperatures.

These materials range in density from 1.1g/cm² to 2.2g/cm² and are generally used for applications up to around 1350°C.

Due to a number of factors – including the ability to synthetically sinter certain constituents, keep close control of thermal properties and manufacture to close tolerances – products from IPS Ceramics are highly suited not only to almost the entire range of kiln car superstructure components and kiln furniture, but also to firing and sintering aids used in powder metallurgy; casting systems for high temperature, near net shaping; and commercial applications such as bread oven tray systems.

Of course, in many cases more specialised material requirements can be catered for as part of our bespoke system offering (speak to our Design & Technical Team).

Summary of Materials

Here is a round-up of just some of the materials we regularly employ, why we use them and what key benefits they impart:

TUA – Our standard batt material, offering the best balance of cold strength, hot strength and thermal-shock resistance.

RON – A good general-purpose material with reasonable resistance to thermal shock and good cold strength. It is not recommended for use under heavy loads at high temperatures, or in very fast-firing kilns.

ROM – Similar to RON, but optimised for pressing more complex secondary kiln furniture and other shapes. A good general-purpose material, normally used for higher temperature applications such as tableware biscuit firing.

DOB – This has excellent hot strength, making it ideal for use at high temperatures and with heavier loads. Its resistance to bending means that it is also the preferred option for tubes. Not recommended to be used in any application where there is a rapid change in temperature.

RAC – Excellent thermal shock resistance make this the best material for any fast-fire applications.

TAK – Specially formulated for extruded tubes where thermal shock resistance is of greater importance than hot-bending strength.

GOX – A lightweight material with just over half the density of standard cordierite-mullite. It is suitable for use in non load-bearing applications such as cover or baffle batts.

GUP – This material reduces the need for wash-coating to prevent ware sticking. It can be used for other small products such as cup rings, saucer-setters or discs, where the weight of ware being supported is low.

GAF – Our standard material for secondary kiln furniture, where lower loads and temperatures apply.

GUA – This material has very good resistance to glaze attack. It is mainly used for glost ‘T-piece’ setters and is suitable for a range of small items where glaze resistance is important.

NUK – Our standard material for casting, with a good balance of strength and thermal shock resistance.