電気炉
Measuring the Kiln's Characteristics and Cooling Rate Through a Dry Fire
Japanese: 空焚きで窯のクセと冷却速度を測る
When starting to use a new kiln, I conduct a dry firing (without any pieces inside) to gauge the kiln’s characteristics and cooling rate. Once I understand the characteristics of each kiln, I adjust the program design accordingly.
By performing an empty bake—baking without any items inside—you can measure temperature variations, how the oven reaches its set temperature, and the cooling rate after the power is turned off.
This forms the basis for the gradual cooling design.
When starting to use a new kiln, I perform a dry fire (without any pieces inside) to gauge the kiln’s characteristics and its natural cooling rate.
Understanding the furnace's characteristics—specifically, the accuracy of the maximum temperature and the cooling rate, which determines the limit of slow cooling—will change how you design your program.
A single dry burn gives you a pretty good idea of the furnace's characteristics. It's worth doing this right at the start.
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.