Electricfired

Electricfired is a term used to describe processes or materials that have been heated to high temperatures using electricity rather than combustion. The term is most commonly encountered in ceramics and metalworking, where electric heating elements in kilns or induction heaters replace fossil-fuel-fired furnaces. Electricfired items may differ in glaze development, microstructure, and surface finish compared with traditionally fired equivalents, due to differences in heat transfer, atmosphere, and ramp rates.

Definition and scope: Electricfired can refer to firing ceramics in electric kilns, heat treatment of metals by induction or resistance heating powered by electricity, and glaze firing carried out with electric energy. In some contexts, it is used to describe products that have been processed by electric heating.

Methods: The central method is electric resistance heating in a refractory-lined chamber; alternative methods include induction heating for metal parts and dielectric heating for some composites. Temperature control is achieved by electronic controllers, allowing precise ramp rates and hold times. Electric firing typically reduces onsite emissions, but overall environmental impact depends on the electricity source.

Advantages and limitations: Advantages include lower onsite emissions, precise temperature control, and cleaner process environments; limitations include dependence on electricity reliability, potential higher energy costs in some regions, and equipment capital costs.

History and usage: Electric firing became widespread in the 20th century with the expansion of electric grids and kilns. It remains a standard option in hobbyist ceramics and industrial production, as well as in research settings for controlled firing experiments.

See also: Kiln, Electric kiln, Induction heating, Firing (ceramics), Dielectric heating.