Orton programmable kiln controllers are designed to automatically fire electric kilns or ovens with precise temperature control and reliability. They include many programming features, user-friendly keypads and robust temperature control software.

Whether the application is ceramic firings, heat treating, glass fusing, or enameling, Orton controllers provide reproducible results for quality firings. AutoFire controllers are available as component panels for kiln manufacturers or as complete stand-alone control systems to upgrade and operate kilns with manual controls.

Basic Operation

Orton Controllers monitor kiln temperature from thermocouples that are placed inside the kiln. The operator selects a preset program or designs a custom firing schedule for the controller to perform. The actual temperature of the kiln is compared with the programmed firing cycle and the controller turns relays on or off to power the heating elements and maintain the desired firing schedule. With zone controllers, sections of the kiln are monitored independently and controlled independently to maintain temperature uniformity throughout the kiln.

Patented Heat Work

For ceramic firings, Orton controllers have been designed with preset firing schedules to provide the exact amount of time and temperature to properly bend a Pyrometric Cone. When firing to a Cone number, the controller constantly monitors the actual heating rate of the kiln. If the kiln does not fire as rapidly as programmed, the controller adjusts the top firing temperature to compensate for the slower firing rate. This process more accurately fires to the Cone number selected. When the heating rate slows, Cones deform at slightly lower temperatures. At faster heating rates, Cones deform at slightly higher temperatures. This ability to recalculate and to fire to a cone value is a unique, patented feature of all Orton controllers.

Multiple Step Programs

Custom firing schedules can require multiple steps to heat and cool the kiln to different temperatures, soak at specific temperatures and to heat or cool at different rates. Orton controllers allow lengthy programs to accommodate the need to change the heating rates, cooling rates, set point temperatures and soak times during the firing. Enhancements have been made to allow the operator to modify heating rates and soak times during the kiln firing. This prevents having to stop the kiln and reprogram the controller when adjustments are necessary.

Computer Monitoring Software

Orton DataLog Software allows you to monitor and analyze controller data from your personal computer. Permanent firing records will be saved on the computer and the data can be viewed in easy-to-read Time vs. Temperature graphs. This allows you to understand kiln performance and to compare up to six firings at a time. Data can be collected from multiple kilns simultaneously.