A roller hearth kiln is a continuous operating kiln. It has a low profile and fast firing cycle. The kiln furniture mass is greatly reduced as the ceramic rollers carry the load through the kiln. It can be either natural gas or electric fired. Atmosphere other than air is not a wise application of this kiln. The kiln is fully closed except for the entrance and exit end tables. A line (roll top) of ceramic rollers convey the ware on a setter plate through the kiln. One side of the rollers is the drive side and the other is the idler side. An AC motor and speed control adjustments the inch per minute travel speed of the kiln drive. The roller hearth kiln is known for it economy of operation, uniformity, rapid firing cycles and ease of maintenance. The operating temperature design can be as high as 3000F. A fiber-lined design will operate to 2500F.
