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Kilning Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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kilning

[ˈkɪlnɪŋ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

ceramics process

Kilning refers to the process of firing ceramics, pottery, or other materials in a kiln to harden them and make them durable. This essential step in ceramic production involves raising the temperature to specific levels, allowing for chemical transformations that strengthen the material. Kilning can also be used in producing bricks and ceramics where the heat causes clay particles to bond together, creating a solid structure. The temperature and time in the kiln can significantly affect the final product's quality and characteristics.

Synonyms

baking, curing, firing.

Examples of usage

  • The artist spent hours preparing her pieces for kilning.
  • Kilning is crucial to ensure that the pottery is durable.
  • They constructed a new kilning facility to increase production.
  • Proper kilning can enhance the colors in the ceramics.
Context #2 | Verb

artisanal practice

To kiln means to subject materials, particularly clay or pottery, to high temperatures in a kiln for hardening. This action is fundamental in various manufacturing processes to transform raw clay into finished ceramics. Kilning is an art as much as it is a science, requiring skill to manage the temperature and duration of the firing to achieve desired results in the final product.

Synonyms

bake, cure, fire.

Examples of usage

  • She will kiln the clay sculptures tomorrow.
  • They kiln their pottery at high temperatures.
  • He kilns hundreds of pieces each month.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Historical Applications

  • The earliest known kilns date back to around 24,000 BC in modern-day Czech Republic for pottery making.
  • During the Middle Ages, kilns began to adopt more advanced designs, enhancing pottery quality and efficiency.
  • In China, kilns were crucial for creating porcelain, a significant milestone in the history of ceramics.

Cultural Significance

  • In many cultures, pottery made through kilning is not just functional but also an art form, showcasing local traditions.
  • Kilning pottery has spiritual significance in some cultures, where the transformation of clay is seen as a metaphor for life.
  • Festivals often celebrate the craft of pottery, highlighting the community's connection to their history and heritage.

Modern Usage

  • Today, kilns are not just used for pottery but also for glass fusing and metal casting, showing its versatility.
  • Electric kilns have become popular due to their energy efficiency and precise temperature controls.
  • 3D printing technology is being utilized with kilns to create complex ceramic structures, blending tradition with innovation.

Scientific Aspects

  • The temperature in a kiln can vary from 1,800 to 2,400 degrees Fahrenheit, depending on what's being fired.
  • The process of kilning alters the molecular structure of clay, making it less porous and more durable.
  • Different clays and glazes react differently to heat, which can lead to variations in color and texture in finished products.

Origin of 'kilning'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Old English 'cyln' meaning 'to burn' or 'heat up'.
  • Its roots can also be traced back to the Latin term 'calere', meaning 'to be warm or hot'.
  • Kilns have been used since ancient times, often in pottery and bricks, showing the long history of this technique.

The term 'kilning' comes from the word 'kiln,' which has origins in the Old English word 'cyln,' meaning a furnace or oven for baking pottery. The use of kilns can be traced back to ancient civilizations such as the Egyptians and the Chinese, where this technology was integral to the production of pottery and bricks. Over centuries, the design and construction of kilns have evolved, leading to various types, including updraft, downdraft, and tunnel kilns, each suited for different materials and methods. The practice of kilning has not only been crucial in ceramics but has influenced other industries, such as glass making and metallurgy. Today, kilning remains a vital process in many artisanal crafts, with modern technology allowing for greater control over the firing process.