The heart of nearly any ceramic or glass production is the furnace, where raw materials are treated with such intense heat that they are transformed into stable, durable, new products. Space shuttle tiles, hip implants, automobile windshields, refractory bricks, and bathroom fixtures must first pass through the fire before they are ready for use.

While the fundamental principles of high-temperature firing remain constant, the methods and equipment employed to carry out the process continue to evolve in response to shifting labor, environmental, and economic conditions. Manufacturers have continued to innovate to meet sustainability goals, reduce energy consumption, and improve the quality of their products.