Sanitaryware manufacturing process

Elevate your Sanitaryware production with NUTEC Bickley's innovative kiln solutions

Sanitaryware manufacturing process

At NUTEC Bickley, we have extensive knowledge about the design of industrial kilns for ceramics and advanced materials. By integrating our ECOmbustion™ control system, we can help you obtain high yield levels in first and second sanitaryware firing, combined with the lowest fuel consumption.

Fuel consumption on tunnel kilns is rated 700-800 Kcal/kg of ware and on shuttle kilns under 1,200 Kcal/kg of ware, making NUTEC Bickley sanitaryware kilns the most fuel efficient in the market.

Our sanitaryware kilns are used by some of both the largest and smallest sanitaryware producers in the world. Multiple installations for many customers demonstrate the exceptional performance of the kiln range.

NUTEC Bickley supplies tunnel kilns and shuttle kilns with the latest ECOmbustion™ technology to fire sanitaryware under both first fire and refire situations.

Nutec Bickley has extensive experience designing and manufacturing tunnel kilns and shuttle kilns for the sanitaryware industry and process. We supply tunnel kilns and shuttle kilns with the latest technology in combustion and controls to fire sanitaryware under both oxidizing and reducing atmosphere conditions.

sanitaryware manufacturing process
sanitaryware manufacturing industry
sanitaryware industry

Industrial kilns manufacturer in USA for the Ceramics Industry

Our more than 50 years of experience designing and engineering kilns to fire a wide range of ceramic products and advanced materials gives us the knowledge to help you find the optimum solution for your needs.

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Kilns for sanitaryware manufacturing process

By integrating our combustion and energy recovery systems we ensure the lowest fuel consumption possible in ceramic firing and excellent Energy Efficiency. In a wide range of capacities and with a choice of door, combustion system, and control designs. With SCADA systems for product quality management and Car handling systems.
The best fuel consumption in the world of sanitaryware production – usually less than 1,000 Kcals/kg of fired product – makes us the most efficient tunnel kiln manufacturer in the market for firing ceramic whitewares, as well as clay bricks, vitrified roof tiles, abrasives, refractories, etc. Wide variety of tunnel kilns for ceramics in high volume production for temperatures up to 1800°C (3270°F) and car handling equipment to suit the application. 

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Learn about our solutions for Ceramic Industry

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Key features of our kilns for the sanitaryware manufacturing process

Excellent Temperature Uniformity

Fiber-lined sections using our patented Jointless® system, which is completely free of joints – reduced maintenance and shrinkage

Integrated car handling systems

Energy recovery systems to ensure the lowest fuel consumption

Ecombustion control system

SCADA systems for ease of operation and product quality management

Power failure protection system

Processes of the sanitaryware manufacturing process

First Fire: Most sanitaryware is fired in a single process; so, the piece is cast, dried, glazed and then fired just once, creating a finished piece. Firing can take place in tunnel kilns or shuttle kilns, but most large producers use a tunnel kiln as it is more fuel efficient.

Refire or Second Fire: After the first firing, many producers will repair any slight blemishes that are found in the glaze surface on a small number of the pieces. This involves grinding the surface and repairing it with a second glaze process before refiring (or second firing). This is normally carried out in shuttle kilns as the numbers are smaller and variable so the shuttle kilns offer more flexibility.

Technology Offered

SCADA

SCADA

With our SCADA systems, kilns operators are able to have complete control of their firing process, enhancing efficiency and productivity.

Learn more about SCADA
IMPS

IMPS™

NUTEC Bickley’s unique firing and cooling pulsing control system provides a perfect solution in relation to temperature uniformity as well as fuel efficiency.

Learn more about IMPS™

Related Resources

Frequently asked questions about our sanitaryware manufacturing process

What is the manufacturing process of sanitaryware?

The production of sanitary ware follows a precise process to ensure durability, water resistance, and quality:

  1. Raw Material Preparation – A blend of clay, kaolin, feldspar, and quartz is milled and mixed for uniform consistency.
  2. Shaping/Forming – The material is shaped using slip casting, jiggering, or pressure casting, then dried to prevent defects.
  3. Glazing – A protective glaze is applied to enhance water resistance, hygiene, and aesthetics.
  4. Firing in Kilns – Pieces are fired at 1,200-1,300°C in tunnel or shuttle kilns, ensuring strength and vitrification.
  5. Quality Inspection & Finishing – Each piece is checked for cracks, defects, and accuracy before final packaging.

For consistent and high-quality sanitary ware production, precise firing conditions are essential. Nutec Bickley specializes in designing advanced tunnel and shuttle kilns that provide uniform heat distribution, optimized firing cycles, and energy efficiency. Our SCADA-integrated automation systems ensure process control, repeatability, and reduced energy consumption, helping manufacturers achieve superior quality and productivity.

What is ceramic sanitaryware?

Ceramic sanitary ware refers to bathroom and kitchen fixtures made from ceramic materials, primarily vitreous china or porcelain, designed for hygiene, durability, and water resistance. These products undergo high-temperature firing to achieve a non-porous, smooth, and glossy surface, making them easy to clean and highly resistant to moisture, stains, and chemicals.

Common ceramic sanitary ware products include toilets, sinks, bidets, urinals, and washbasins. Their durability, aesthetic appeal, and low maintenance make them the preferred choice for residential, commercial, and industrial applications.

To support efficient ceramic sanitary ware production, Nutec Bickley designs high-performance tunnel and shuttle kilns that offer precise temperature control and uniform heat distribution. Our kilns are engineered for energy efficiency and process optimization, allowing manufacturers to achieve consistent product quality while reducing operational costs.

What is the chemical composition of sanitaryware?

Sanitaryware is primarily made from ceramic materials, specifically vitreous china or porcelain, which undergo high-temperature firing to achieve a non-porous, durable, and water-resistant surface. The chemical composition of sanitary ware includes:

  • Clay (Al₂O₃·2SiO₂·2H₂O) – Provides plasticity and helps in shaping the product.
  • Kaolin (Al₂Si₂O₅(OH)₄) – Enhances whiteness, strength, and smooth texture.
  • Feldspar (KAlSi₃O₈ – NaAlSi₃O₈ – CaAl₂Si₂O₈) – Acts as a flux, lowering the melting point and improving vitrification.
  • Quartz (SiO₂) – Increases strength, durability, and resistance to thermal shock.
  • Ball Clay – Improves molding properties and green strength before firing.
  • Glazes (Silica, Alumina, and Fluxes) – Provide a smooth, glossy, and stain-resistant surface.

For the proper vitrification of these materials, precise firing conditions are required. Nutec Bickley designs high-efficiency tunnel and shuttle kilns that ensure uniform heat distribution, optimized firing cycles, and energy-efficient operation. Our advanced control systems allow manufacturers to achieve consistent quality, high mechanical strength, and superior surface finishes in sanitary ware production.

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Providing Thermal Equipment Solutions that go beyond expectations

We serve multiple industries through the design, building and installation of combustion systems, thermal insulation and highly specialized industrial furnaces, kilns and ovens. We are focused on understanding our customers’ needs and supplying the best equipment at the most competitive price. 

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