Overview

Ceramic is made of non-metallic elements such as clay and inorganic elements such as zirconia. Many industries now depend on ceramic materials: bricks, cement, tiles, pipe and glass industries in the construction sector; the glassware, pottery, spark plugs industries in the consumer goods sector; 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.
 

Eligibility

After Class XII( PCM) : Entrance to engineering colleges for B.Tech.

Graduate engineers: Take the GATE examination for entry to a postgraduate programme.

A background in Physics, Mathematics and Science, along with a degree in ceramic engineering, design and analysis is the preferred qualification to work in the ceramics industry. Technologists with post-graduate or doctoral degrees in material science, technology and business administration can seek top-notch managerial and administrative posts.
 

Skills

The job requires a good theoretical base and a scientific outlook. Logical thinking, analytical outlook and a good understanding of chemistry are other basic requirements in this profession.


The core personal characteristics required are an innovative outlook and problem solving skills.


Good communication skills are an added asset for ceramic technologists, as they have to build a rapport and interact with artisans, technicians, managers, production workers and customers. They must also be good team players, possess an innovative streak, with an analytical bent of mind.
 

Job Prospects

Ceramic Engineers are employed in industries producing glass, cement, porcelain, enamel refractories, iron and steel and in industries manufacturing special ceramics for power and nuclear energy projects, aerospace, R & D laboratories and defence establishments. Ceramic engineers design and develop products which range from a flower vase to the ceramic nose cone for a missile.


Ceramic engineers deal with the study of the properties, manufacture, design and applications of ceramic materials. The tasks includes:

• Research: Ceramic technologists find new applications to replace existing products. The study and application of chemical and thermal interactions of oxides (which make ceramics) is the major area of research.
   

• Design: Ceramic engineers design machinery and tools used in the production process and they also design ceramic products.
   

• Production: They specialise in the technological developments for improvement of production processes, or in specific materials such as glass for working in industries engaged in manufacture of tableware, fibre optics, bulbs, window panes, electronic ancilliaries. Highly demanding specialisation is for the electronics sector for manufacturing integrated circuits, sensors etc
   

• Testing: The raw material and samples prepared for production are tested for quality by engineers in testing laboratories.
   

• Sales: They also work in sales for understanding customer needs for projecting these requirements to guide further research.
   

• Ceramic Artists :Ceramic astists are artisans with a different and unique medium of expression. Ceramic artists work with ceramic materials and produce creative artefacts in porcelain, clay, tiles etc. From paiting to producing interesting design items is their forte. Their work is then displayed in galleries and exhibit centres. Working solely as an artist can be a capricious deal and artists are often prey to the fickle fortunes of fate. Ceramic artists can freelance and also work with ceramic factories and designers.