Orton Ceramic Foundation
Encyclopedia
The roots of the Orton Ceramic Foundation date back to the establishment of the "Standard Pyrometric Cone Company" in 1896 by Dr. Edward J. Orton, Jr.. Dr. Orton was a pioneer in developing and applying scientific principles to ceramic manufacturing. In 1894, he was appointed the first Chairman of the Ceramic Engineering Department at The Ohio State University, the first ceramic engineering school in the United States. The "Standard Pyrometric Cone Company" began the production of modern pyrometric cone
s that continues today. Only Orton cones are traceable to Standards established in 1956 by H.P. Beerman at the National Bureau of Standards (Journal of American Ceramic Society, Vol. 39 1956), however other manufacturers may manufacture to other, equally rigorous standards
At his death in 1932, Dr. Orton provided in his Will for creation of a charitable trust to continue the operation of the "Standard Pyrometric Cone Company" for the benefit of the ceramic arts and industry communities. The primary purpose of the Foundation is to provide products to assist and enhance high temperature processing of ceramics and other materials. The secondary purpose of the Orton Ceramic Foundation is to utilize the net proceeds from the primary purpose to support investigations and studies that will aid in the heat processing of materials for its customers.
Orton provides its products to more than 70 countries worldwide. The Foundation currently occupies a 33000 square feet (3,065.8 m²) facility in Westerville, Ohio
, a northeastern suburb of Columbus, Ohio
, approximately 20 minutes from the Port Columbus International Airport
.
Pyrometric cone
Pyrometric cones are pyrometric devices that are used to gauge heatwork during the firing of ceramic materials. The cones, often used in sets of three as shown in the illustration, are positioned in a kiln with the wares to be fired and provide a visual indication of when the wares have reached a...
s that continues today. Only Orton cones are traceable to Standards established in 1956 by H.P. Beerman at the National Bureau of Standards (Journal of American Ceramic Society, Vol. 39 1956), however other manufacturers may manufacture to other, equally rigorous standards
At his death in 1932, Dr. Orton provided in his Will for creation of a charitable trust to continue the operation of the "Standard Pyrometric Cone Company" for the benefit of the ceramic arts and industry communities. The primary purpose of the Foundation is to provide products to assist and enhance high temperature processing of ceramics and other materials. The secondary purpose of the Orton Ceramic Foundation is to utilize the net proceeds from the primary purpose to support investigations and studies that will aid in the heat processing of materials for its customers.
Focus
The Foundation has three distinct areas of products and services:- Produce Pyrometric devicePyrometric devicePyrometric devices gauge heatwork when firing materials inside a kiln. Pyrometric devices do not measure temperature, but can report temperature equivalents...
s for monitoring thermal processing. - Design and build Analytical Instruments for measuring thermalThermalA thermal column is a column of rising air in the lower altitudes of the Earth's atmosphere. Thermals are created by the uneven heating of the Earth's surface from solar radiation, and are an example of convection. The sun warms the ground, which in turn warms the air directly above it...
properties. - Provide Material Testing Services to measure thermal properties.
Orton provides its products to more than 70 countries worldwide. The Foundation currently occupies a 33000 square feet (3,065.8 m²) facility in Westerville, Ohio
Westerville, Ohio
Westerville, once known as "The Dry Capital of the World", is a city in Franklin and Delaware counties in the U.S. state of Ohio. The population was 35,318 at the 2000 census.-Early history:...
, a northeastern suburb of Columbus, Ohio
Columbus, Ohio
Columbus is the capital of and the largest city in the U.S. state of Ohio. The broader metropolitan area encompasses several counties and is the third largest in Ohio behind those of Cleveland and Cincinnati. Columbus is the third largest city in the American Midwest, and the fifteenth largest city...
, approximately 20 minutes from the Port Columbus International Airport
Port Columbus International Airport
Port Columbus International Airport , commonly shortened to Port Columbus, is a Class C international airport located east of downtown Columbus, Ohio, USA. It is managed by the Columbus Regional Airport Authority, which also oversees operations at Rickenbacker International Airport and Bolton Field...
.