Orton Self-Supporting Pyrometric Cones SSB 05 25-Pack — Kiln Monitoring with Reliable Visual Readings

Orton Self-Supporting Pyrometric Cones SSB 05 are small, pre-shaped ceramic indicators that visibly bend at a precise heat-work level to show when a kiln firing has reached the intended maturity.

These self-supporting cones are placed directly on a kiln shelf to reveal whether a firing achieved the correct combination of temperature and time. Manufactured by Orton, a company with a long history in ceramic testing, each cone is formulated to deform reliably over a narrow heat-work range so potters and ceramic technicians can judge completion without a separate holder. The SSB 05 comes in a 25-pack, offering repeated, consistent readings across multiple firings.

How do these cones tell me my firing is complete?

Pyrometric cones respond to 'heat-work'—the combined effect of temperature and time—by softening and bending. When the cone tip aligns level with its base, it signals that the specific heat-work standard for SSB 05 has been reached, allowing a visual confirmation of firing progress.

• Designed to bend predictably within a narrow temperature/time window
• Tip-to-base alignment indicates completion
• Useful as a supplement to electronic controllers or thermocouples

Why choose the self-supporting style instead of cones that need holders?

Self-supporting cones stand upright on their own, removing the need for separate holders and simplifying placement on shelves. This makes them faster to use, reduces clutter inside the kiln, and eliminates a small variable that could affect readings.

• Fixed mounting height and angle built into each cone
• No additional holder required—place directly on shelf
• Reduces setup time and potential placement errors

What makes Orton cones consistent and reliable?

Orton controls the material composition and manufacturing tolerances so each cone bends in a repeatable manner across firings. That repeatability is why many studios and labs rely on these cones to corroborate instrument readings and to troubleshoot kiln performance when unexpected results occur.

• Carefully controlled ceramic formulations for uniform behavior
• Manufactured by Orton, in operation since 1896
• Consistent results across multiple firings for dependable monitoring

How should I use the SSB 05 cones for best results?

Place the cones on a clean kiln shelf where they can be seen through the peep or at shutdown. Use one cone per shelf or location you want to monitor, and compare the cone deformation to the expected bend for SSB 05 to confirm whether the firing met your target.

• Set cones upright directly on shelf—no holder needed
• Use one cone per area to check uniformity across shelves
• Compare cone tip angle to base to judge firing completion

Who is this for: Orton Self-Supporting Pyrometric Cones SSB 05 are for potters, ceramic artists, small production studios, educational ceramics programs, and kiln technicians who want a simple, proven visual indicator of kiln heat-work. They’re ideal for people who need a reliable, repeatable way to verify that firings reached the intended maturity without relying solely on electronic readouts.