Ceramic Tubes, Fittings and Props
Most kiln furniture structures in kilns and furnaces are modular systems comprised of various types of kiln furniture which have been assembled together.
Tubes and Props are items of kiln furniture commonly used as vertical supports, allowing the user to stack several layers of kiln furniture on top of each other. This allows the kiln builder to make a multi-layer structure which increases their versatility, kiln fill and firing efficiency.
Tubes can also be used as horizontal supports, and are often referred to as rollers or beams when they are.
Types of Tube, Fitting and Prop
Cordierite Ceramic Tubes and Posts
IPS Ceramics’ Cordierite Ceramic Tubes and Posts are available in a wide range of differing shapes, sizes and materials. Tubes are cut to length after firing to suit the customer’s car design.
Made from cordierite, these tubes can withstand the heat and pressures of a kiln, making them an excellent kiln car component.
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. Our range includes single, multi bore and closed end tubes.
Alumina Ceramic Tubes are available in our online shop. Custom sizes are available on request.
Silicon Carbide Ceramic Tubes and Beams
Silicon Carbide Tubes are often used for applications involving either higher temperatures (over 1300°C) or heavier loads than would be suitable for cordierite products. They stay straight over extended use in applications where other materials might bend and give several years of service in industrial processes.
Fixed Props and Flue Supports
IPS Ceramics’ Fixed Props are a flexible and cost-effective way of building up a multi-level structure. They are often used as flue supports together with a top and base fitting for extra support. We offer a wide range of heights and designs, including many that have location pads on the contact faces (which sit within a recess on the kiln car batt, giving added stability).
Adjustable Props
IPS Ceramics’ Adjustable Props are props with teeth built into their sides. By resting your batts, plates or tiles on the teeth, you can position them at various heights to match different product sizes and changes in the product mix, giving you extra flexibility during your manufacturing process. These props can be made in different materials (including Cordierite and Silicon Carbide) depending on your exact requirements.
Silicon Carbide Posts and Supports
Posts and Supports made from Silicon Carbide. The spacing of the teeth can be varied as required. They have excellent temperature performance and a long service-life, even in applications up to 1650 °C / 3000 °F. These one-piece posts can be produced to lengths up to 2m long.
Fittings and Caps
Fittings and Caps are often used at both ends of the prop to help to spread the 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, adding stability).