In a major, high-value project – the second at this particular plant in Mexico – NUTEC Bickley will supply a 125m-long tunnel kiln to one of the world’s leading advanced ceramics manufacturers.
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At NUTEC Bickley, we have extensive knowledge about the design of industrial kilns for ceramics and advanced materials. By integrating our ECOmbustion™ control system, we can help you obtain high yield levels in first and second sanitaryware firing, combined with the lowest fuel consumption.
Fuel consumption on tunnel kilns is rated 700-800 Kcal/kg of ware and on shuttle kilns under 1,200 Kcal/kg of ware, making NUTEC Bickley sanitaryware kilns the most fuel efficient in the market.
Our sanitaryware kilns are used by some of both the largest and smallest sanitaryware producers in the world. Multiple installations for many customers demonstrate the exceptional performance of the kiln range.
NUTEC Bickley supplies tunnel kilns and shuttle kilns with the latest ECOmbustion™ technology to fire sanitaryware under both first fire and refire situations.
Nutec Bickley has extensive experience designing and manufacturing tunnel kilns and shuttle kilns for the sanitaryware industry and process. We supply tunnel kilns and shuttle kilns with the latest technology in combustion and controls to fire sanitaryware under both oxidizing and reducing atmosphere conditions.
Our more than 50 years of experience designing and engineering kilns to fire a wide range of ceramic products and advanced materials gives us the knowledge to help you find the optimum solution for your needs.
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Learn about our solutions for the ceramics industry
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Learn about our solutions for Ceramic Industry
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Excellent Temperature Uniformity
Fiber-lined sections using our patented Jointless® system, which is completely free of joints – reduced maintenance and shrinkage
Integrated car handling systems
Energy recovery systems to ensure the lowest fuel consumption
Ecombustion control system
SCADA systems for ease of operation and product quality management
Power failure protection system
First Fire: Most sanitaryware is fired in a single process; so, the piece is cast, dried, glazed and then fired just once, creating a finished piece. Firing can take place in tunnel kilns or shuttle kilns, but most large producers use a tunnel kiln as it is more fuel efficient.
Refire or Second Fire: After the first firing, many producers will repair any slight blemishes that are found in the glaze surface on a small number of the pieces. This involves grinding the surface and repairing it with a second glaze process before refiring (or second firing). This is normally carried out in shuttle kilns as the numbers are smaller and variable so the shuttle kilns offer more flexibility.
The production of sanitary ware follows a precise process to ensure durability, water resistance, and quality:
For consistent and high-quality sanitary ware production, precise firing conditions are essential. Nutec Bickley specializes in designing advanced tunnel and shuttle kilns that provide uniform heat distribution, optimized firing cycles, and energy efficiency. Our SCADA-integrated automation systems ensure process control, repeatability, and reduced energy consumption, helping manufacturers achieve superior quality and productivity.
Ceramic sanitary ware refers to bathroom and kitchen fixtures made from ceramic materials, primarily vitreous china or porcelain, designed for hygiene, durability, and water resistance. These products undergo high-temperature firing to achieve a non-porous, smooth, and glossy surface, making them easy to clean and highly resistant to moisture, stains, and chemicals.
Common ceramic sanitary ware products include toilets, sinks, bidets, urinals, and washbasins. Their durability, aesthetic appeal, and low maintenance make them the preferred choice for residential, commercial, and industrial applications.
To support efficient ceramic sanitary ware production, Nutec Bickley designs high-performance tunnel and shuttle kilns that offer precise temperature control and uniform heat distribution. Our kilns are engineered for energy efficiency and process optimization, allowing manufacturers to achieve consistent product quality while reducing operational costs.
Sanitaryware is primarily made from ceramic materials, specifically vitreous china or porcelain, which undergo high-temperature firing to achieve a non-porous, durable, and water-resistant surface. The chemical composition of sanitary ware includes:
For the proper vitrification of these materials, precise firing conditions are required. Nutec Bickley designs high-efficiency tunnel and shuttle kilns that ensure uniform heat distribution, optimized firing cycles, and energy-efficient operation. Our advanced control systems allow manufacturers to achieve consistent quality, high mechanical strength, and superior surface finishes in sanitary ware production.
We serve multiple industries through the design, building and installation of combustion systems, thermal insulation and highly specialized industrial furnaces, kilns and ovens. We are focused on understanding our customers’ needs and supplying the best equipment at the most competitive price.

In a major, high-value project – the second at this particular plant in Mexico – NUTEC Bickley will supply a 125m-long tunnel kiln to one of the world’s leading advanced ceramics manufacturers.

Explore NUTEC Bickley's latest innovative project, a highly flexible, energy-efficient shuttle kiln for the European sanitaryware sector.

NUTEC Bickley is in the process of transporting all modules of a 50m-long electric tunnel kiln to the advanced manufacturing facility operated by one of North America’s leading producers of ultra-high-purity alumina and associated products.
We offer specialized technical support and advice to ensure that you choose the solution that best suits your needs. Fill out this form or contact us to talk to us now.