Ceramic Tubes / Fittings / Props

About Our Ceramic Tubes

IPS offer a very wide range of ceramic tubes in differing shapes, sizes and materials. Tubes are often used as vertical supports or ‘props’ that allow layers of kiln furniture to be built-up to form a multi-layer structure. When used horizontally, tubes are often referred to as rollers or beams.

 Cordierite Ceramic Tubes

Cordierite Ceramic Tubes

IPS offer a very wide range of cordierite ceramic tubes in differing shapes, sizes and materials. Tubes are cut to length after firing to suit the customers car design; lengths from about 100mm to 500mm are typical, however longer and shorter tubes are possible.

Cordierite ceramic tubes consist of magnesium alumina silicate which has a chemical formula of Mg2Al4Si5O18. Being utilised within many kiln applications, they can withstand the high temperatures of commercial pottery production and industrial processes.

Alumina Ceramic Tubes

Alumina Ceramic Tubes

Alumina ceramic tubes and rods are used in a wide variety of applications across numerous user industries as a cost-effective yet high-performance solution. The combination of key properties makes them a go-to product in many instances.  Find out more information about Alumina Tubes here.

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SiC Ceramic Tubes and Beams

SiC Ceramic Tubes and Beams

Silicon carbide is often used for higher temperatures (over 1300°C) or heavy loads.  The ceramic tubes are very good at staying straight over extended use in applications where other materials might bend. IPS Ceramics offer silicon infiltrated silicon carbide (SiSiC) as standard for beams used in kiln-car structures. The material is very strong compared to other ceramics and typically gives several years of service in industrial processes.

Fittings and Caps

Fittings and Caps

Fittings can be used at both ends of the prop to help to spread the weight load (which can be considerable on multi-level cars). When using cordierite tubes as vertical props, the fittings also locate the tube in the correct position (via a recess in the batt). Many sizes and shapes of fitting are available to suit our range of tubes. The ‘effective height’ of each type of fitting must be taken into account when deciding on the length of tube required.

Fixed Props

Fixed Props

Fixed props are a very flexible and cost effective way of building up a multi-level structure.  We offer a wide range of heights and designs, including many that have location pads on the contact faces (to sit within a recess on the batt).

Adjustable Props

Adjustable Props

These are ‘toothed’ props that allow batts/shelves to be positioned at various heights to match different product sizes. These props can be made in different materials including Cordierite, Silicon Carbide and Alumina depending on your exact requirements.

Silicon Carbide Posts

Silicon Carbide Posts

These one-piece posts can be produced to any length up to 2m long. The spacing of the teeth can be varied as required. High temperature performance is very good with long service-life achieved up to 1550oC.