Metal refining and steel manufacturing rely heavily on ceramic materials to contain the high-value products throughout the high-temperature processes while protecting workers and equipment.

Steel ladles are among the most demanding uses for refractory materials. Layers of refractory ceramics must contain liquid steel at temperatures approaching 1,600°C without reacting and while providing sufficient insulation to keep the outer shell cool for safe operations. Heating, cooling, filling, draining, and moving the ladles puts tremendous thermal and mechanical stresses on the refractories.