Functions of Kiln furniture

Kiln Furniture influences the heat distribution in the furnace and the interaction of the load with the atmosphere in the furnace. Since the furniture is being heated along with the load, this increases energy consumption hence the operating costs increase. An additional increase of costs comes from wear of the furniture due to thermomechanical and chemical stresses. To decrease heat capacity porous materials or thinner furniture components may be used. However this calls for a trade-off with load-bearing capacity and stress resistance.