PRODUCTION OF KILN ACCESSORIES AND FURNITURE AS SUPPORT IN FIRING CERAMIC WARES

BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY
The aesthetics and utilitarian purpose of ceramics kiln accessories makes them indispensable in our studies and industries. The state of kiln accessories among other things determines the product of the kiln. Against this background the non availability of props and bats makes the firing impossible. The researchers tend to embark on the production of two types of kiln furniture as props and bats with other such accessories as namely stilts and collars. It is expected that the research will unveil production techniques of such terms like props and bats. Right from the inception of history of ceramics, the most important part is the firing of the wares and this was made possible by the items that serve as selves when they are arranged in the kilns.

This write up goes along side with the ways the kiln is regulated and the types of materials patronized by the ceramist as it influences the production of finished ceramic wares for use.

THE PURPOSE OF THE STUDY
The main objective of this research write up is to produce kiln furniture that will be able to stand high heat and stress from ceramic loads that might be applied when firing is ongoing in the kiln at the Department of General Art and Industrial Design.
Consideration of the various types of kiln furniture and the materials needed in the methodology will be looked into. Such are:
a. Review the concept and detail of each types of kiln furniture.
b. Analyzing the stability of the kiln furniture.
c. Provide guide line for those who have problem in making kiln furniture.
d. Find out the method to determine the choice of kiln and its furniture.

STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM
Kiln refractory furniture accounts for approximately seventy prevent (70%) of the ceramics need in the production companies or factories. Therefore, this project takes a look at the possibility of producing kiln accessories or furniture for the Department of General Art and Industrial Design.
SCOPE OF THE STUDY

This project is strictly focused on the production of ceramics kiln bats and props for the ceramic kiln in department. The various materials to be used in producing the kiln furniture will be accessed locally while method of designing the kiln furniture, the tools and equipment required are also considered in this write up.

THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY
A study of this nature exposes would be ceramist to the practice of gloss firing and kiln stacking and introduces the ceramic hobbyist to the materials and techniques required for the production of kiln supports as props, bats stilts and shelve.
The project will serve as a motivating factor of other learners in exploring other alternative means of substituting foreign made ceramics accessories with locally produced ones employing available local materials. This project is expected to solve the immediate need of the department of General Art and Industrial Design in particular and the nation in general by making available. Kiln bats and props. It is required to aid the gloss firing of wares produced by the student in the Department.
It is also intended to address at some of the difficulties in compounding refractory bodies for kiln furniture using locally obtained raw-materials. Identifying these materials was of alter most importance. The research also provides the guide and training make the masses to be self reliant.