Firing clay is the most critical part of the ceramics process because it is the one thing that makes clay durable, hence ceramic.
Electric kiln firing is one of the most common methods for firing clay because electric pottery kilns are readily available and simple to install.
All electric kilns have heating elements, which are essentially pieces of wire designed to resist the passage of electricity. Similar to a stove top or other home heating appliance (except designed for far higher temperatures), coiled heating elements inside a kiln impede electrical movement and subsequently cause the wire to heat up and radiate heat throughout the kiln’s interior.
This radiant heat rises and is absorbed by everything in the kiln. This process essentially cooks the clay, hardening it turning from clay to ceramic.
An electric kiln firing differs to other methods as both the bisque and glaze firing are done in the same kiln, they are 2 separate firings and fire to different temperatures.
See below an example of a glazed piece, fired in an electric kiln.
See below loading unfired glazed pieces into an electric kiln
If you'd like to learn more about ceramics and the processes involved book onto one of my workshops and explore the exciting world of clay!
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