SHUTTLE KILNS

The main difference between a tunnel kiln and a shuttle kiln lies in their operation method and production efficiency. Tunnel kilns are continuous systems where products move through different temperature zones on a conveyor or kiln car system, ensuring high production capacity, energy efficiency, and consistent firing. These kilns are ideal for large-scale manufacturing of refractories, sanitaryware, and technical ceramics, where continuous operation is required.

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Shuttle kilns, on the other hand, operate in batches, with products loaded and fired in individual cycles. This method allows for greater flexibility in firing curves, making shuttle kilns suitable for small production runs, specialty ceramics, and customized heat treatments. While they offer precise control over temperature, they are typically less energy-efficient than tunnel kilns due to their stop-and-go operation.

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At Nutec Bickley, we design and manufacture high-performance tunnel and shuttle kilns, providing custom solutions tailored to specific production needs. Our kilns feature advanced combustion systems, optimized insulation, and SCADA-integrated control technology to ensure energy efficiency, process repeatability, and high-quality results for industries like ceramics, aerospace, and metal processing.

The capacity of a shuttle kiln varies depending on its design, size, and intended application. Shuttle kilns are typically used for batch firing, meaning their capacity is determined by the number of kiln cars, the loading height, and the overall chamber volume.

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At Nutec Bickley, we design custom shuttle kilns to meet specific production requirements, offering:

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• Small to medium-sized kilns for specialty ceramics and technical applications.
• Large-scale kilns capable of handling high-volume production for refractories, sanitaryware, and industrial ceramics.
• Flexible designs with one or multiple kiln cars, maximizing loading capacity and firing efficiency.

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The exact capacity depends on the material type, firing cycle, and space utilization, which is why Nutec Bickley provides tailored solutions to ensure optimal performance and energy efficiency in each shuttle kiln design.