焼成
First, determine the maximum temperature (melting point).
Japanese: まず最高温度（熔け具合）を決める
The first step in designing a firing program is to decide on the maximum temperature: tack (720°C) or full fusion (780°C)? This determines the technique.
The firing program is determined first by the desired degree of melting—that is, the maximum temperature.
Starting from, for example, full 780 and tack 700–740°C.
The first step in designing a firing program is to determine the maximum temperature. This determines the “technique” for that firing.
Tack (700–740°C), Full (approx. 780°C), Sagging (720–760°C), Slumping (around 650°C). Choose the appropriate temperature based on the desired finish.
Once the peak temperature is determined, the heating, cooling, and holding phases will naturally follow. It’s important to first clearly define “what you want to make.”
This entry is written in Japanese by Rei Chikaoka and translated for readers outside Japan. If something reads oddly, the original is the source of truth.