With the technological developments over the past 150 years, ceramic engineers and scientists have acquired a better understanding of the uses of clay and other earthen substances. Ceramics is made of nonmetallic elements such as clay and inorganic elements such as zirconia. Many industries now depend on ceramic materials e.g. bricks, cement, tile, pipe for the construction sector, glass industries for glassware and pottery; spark plugs industries in the consumer goods sector; refractory materials, electrical insulators, cutting tools and bearings manufactured in industries dealing with industrial products; diodes, capacitors, magnetic materials and computer memory packages in the electronics sector and high temperature tile insulation and composite materials in space technology; ceramic spark plugs used in aerospace industry and nuclear fuel rods for nuclear industry.
Ceramic engineers work with highly advanced materials which have been produced by complex chemical processes while ceramic artists and craftspeople use clay and sand for basic ceramic materials.
Nature of Work
Ceramic engineering deals with the study of the properties, manufacture, design and applications of ceramic materials. Ceramic engineers are involved in the following areas of work :
Research - Ceramic technologists use their scientific knowledge to anticipate new applications to replace existing products. Research work involves the study and application of chemical and thermal interactions of oxides which make ceramics.
Design - Ceramic engineers modify the design of the machinery and tools used in the production process and also work on the design of ceramic products.
Production - Since ceramic has such diverse uses the ceramic technologists generally specialise in the technological developments of specific production processes. Ceramic technologists may specialise in glass for working in industries engaged in manufacture of tableware, fibre optics, bulbs, window panes, electronic ancillaries. Specialist in structural clay work in the manufacture of enamelled articles and pipes, engine parts, tools artificial limbs or cement used in construction or ceramic wares such as tiles, pottery and bathroom and kitchen fixtures. Highly demanding specialisation is for the electronics sector for manufacturing integrated circuits, sensors etc.
Testing - The samples prepared for production are tested for color, surface finish, texture, strength and uniformity and for the correctness of the manufacturing processes by engineers in testing laboratories Even the quality of raw material used in the industry is tested.
Sales - They also work in sales for understanding customer needs for projecting these requirements to guide further research.
Work Environment
Working conditions for ceramic technologists vary with the assignment. Technologists may work in plants and factories, researchers work in laboratories, research institutes, and universities. Those in management positions and consultancies work in offices.
The job in factories demands working in a variety of environments. The work environment in a tableware industry may vary significantly from a pipe factory or a sanitary ware factory. Glass bulbs factory and the cutting tools industry may also have significant environmental differences.
Personal Characteristics
Ceramic engineers have enquiring minds and a scientific outlook. Logical thinking, analytical outlook, a good understanding of chemistry are only the beginnings of a career in ceramics. The job requires a good theoretical base and a practical approach.
Ceramic engineering caters to the need of services segments such as improved materials for industrial customers which would require technologists to interact with engineers from other industries. They may work with e.g electronic engineers on a design project which requires working with a team. Good communication and interpersonal skills would enable ceramic engineers to work with international manufacturers. The core personal characteristics required are innovative outlook and problem solving skills.
Employment Avenues
Ceramic engineers find employment in industries producing glass, cement, porcelain, enamels refractories, iron and steel, and in industries manufacturing special ceramics for power and nuclear energy projects, aerospace, R & D Laboratories and Defence establishments. Ceramic engineer designs and develops products which range from a flower vase to the ceramic nose cone for a missile, and parts for the electronics industry.
