Self-Supporting Cones are the most accurate and easiest to use pyrometric cones available.

They feature a built-in base for support during firing and require no cone holder or plaque.  Correct height (1 ¾”) and angle (8°) are built in to help insure  reproducible  firings time after time.

Self-Supporting Cones are popular as witness cones on the  kiln shelf to visually record and evaluate the heatwork (the effect of temperature and time at temperature) in different  locations throughout  the kiln.

Pyrometric cones are recommended by glaze and kiln manufacturers to assure the proper amount of heatwork was achieved during firing.  Achieving the proper amount of heatwork allows the optimum ceramic properties and colors to be developed during the firing process.  Pyrometric Cones will also help identify any subtle changes taking place inside the kiln before they impact your ware (changes over time due to thermocouple drift, degrading heating elements, etc.).

Thermocouples only measure temperature at one point inside the kiln.  Pyrometric cones can be placed throughout the ware setting so you can easily monitor the heatwork your kiln produces where your product is being fired.

SSB 05 1/2 Cone Equivalent Temperatures

(temperatures when the SSB 05 1/2 cone matures or bends over to the point where it almost touches the surface it is setting on)

Fahrenheit

   Slow Heating Rate (27F/Hr the last 180 degrees F of Firing) 1839 F

   Medium Heating Rate (108F/Hr the last 180 degrees F of Firing) 1859 F

   Fast Heating Rate (270F/Hr the last 180 degrees F of firing) 1877 F

Celsius

   Slow Heating Rate (15C/Hr the last 100 degrees C of Firing) 1004 C

   Medium Heating Rate (60C/Hr the last 100 degrees C of Firing) 1015 C

   Fast Heating Rate (150C/Hr the last 100 degrees C of firing) 1025 C