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Pyrometric Cone Chart for Kiln Firing

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by Jen Weisner  • Updated: February 27th, 2023  •  1 min read    Pottery Guides » Pottery Kilns

For more than a century, pyrometric cones have been used to monitor the firing of ceramics in kilns.

They help determine when a firing is finished, whether the kiln produced enough heat, whether there was a temperature difference within the kiln, or whether a problem occurred during the firing process.

Compositions used to make cones go through a stringent control process. As a result, they flex predictably (across a temperature range of less than 40 degrees Fahrenheit, on average), and this behavior is consistent.

In addition, you can determine the amount of heat absorbed by looking at the ultimate position of the bend.

The chart below provides temperature equivalents for Orton Cones based on specific heating rates.

<a href="https://potterspassion.com/pyrometric-cone-chart/"><img style="width:100%;" src="https://potterspassion.com//wp-content/uploads/2022/08/pyrometric-cone-chart.png"></a><br>Pyrometric Cone Chart Infographic by <a href="https://potterspassion.com">Potters Passion</a>

Also check out our kiln firing temperature chart and guide.

Jen holds a Master's degree in Fine Arts and has been teaching pottery for over 15 years. She has exhibited her work in numerous galleries and has been featured in several prominent pottery publications. Read more
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