Ceramic fiber materials aren’t “new materials” anymore; they’ve become the go-to lightweight refractory materials in industries like metallurgy, heat treatment, kilns, electric furnaces, glass, and petrochemicals.
But for many engineering firms, buyers, and even some tech folks, questions like “how do I pick the right ceramic fiber board, which type fits my furnace, where do different temperature ratings come in, and how to spot good quality” still have plenty of blind spots.
As an engineer who’s been in the high-temp game for years, I’ve seen linings crumble from bad material choices, energy bills spike from low density, and people get duped into buying “regular boards” sold as “high-temp ones.”
That’s why I put together this comprehensive guide on ceramic fiber boards—to lay it all out clearly for you.
By the end of this read, you’ll get:
- What a ceramic fiber board really is (way more practical than what you’ll find online)
- The differences between various temperature ratings, densities, and manufacturing processes
- Which one do you actually need?
- Why prices vary so much
- Common construction pitfalls that get overlooked
- How to dodge risks when buying
- How CVSIC handles OEM/ODM services and custom solutions
What is a Ceramic Fiber Board? (More Than Just a “High-Temp Board”)
In simple terms, a ceramic fiber board is a lightweight, high-efficiency refractory insulation material used primarily in hot environments to block heat flow and reduce energy waste.
A Ceramic Fiber Board is a high-temperature insulating material made from aluminosilicate fibers or variants (such as those with zirconium). It’s structured like a “rigid ceramic wool”—denser and tougher—with these key traits:
- Handles ongoing temps from 1050℃ to 1600℃
- Strong enough to nail or cut, doesn’t powder easily.
- Low heat conductivity for clear energy savings
- Can take some mechanical load
- Stands up well to thermal shocks and airflow wear.
Compared to ceramic fiber blankets, boards lean toward uses such as furnace doors, walls, flame zones, electric furnace insulators, high-temp pads, duct wraps, and industrial gear heat shields—basically anywhere you need “structural support plus high-heat steadiness.”
Material Makeup and Production Methods (Raw Stuff + Process = Quality)
A board’s performance boils down to: materials as the base, process as the decider. Most makers just vaguely say “made from ceramic fibers” in their pitches.
The core ingredient in ceramic fiber boards is alumina-silicate fibers (Al2O3-SiO2), which usually make up 95% or more. Premium ones add zirconia (ZrO2) to push the temp limits. Lab tests I’ve done show that high-purity fibers can reduce the board’s thermal conductivity to below 0.1 W/m·K, so heat basically stays put.
Raw Material Breakdown
Common mixes (by temp rating):
| 1050°C | Al₂O₃+SiO₂ | Standard board, good for basic insulation |
| 1260°C | High-purity Al₂O₃+SiO₂ | More stable, better shock resistance |
| 1400°C | High-alumina fibers or a bit of zirconium | Fits mid-to-high temp furnaces |
| 1600°C | Zirconium-infused fibers (with ZrO₂) | Resists high-heat shrinkage, super steady |
What defines a good material?
Longer fibers, fewer impurities, low shrinkage, and minimal powdered fillers.
Manufacturing Process
There are three main ways ceramic fiber boards are made:
Vacuum Formed Board (Most common, strongest)
Features:
- Dense internal structure
- High strength
- Excellent dimensional stability
Best for furnace doors, areas of direct flame contact, and baffle plates.
Wet Process Formed Board (Best uniformity)
Features:
- Flatter surface
- More consistent density
Perfect for equipment that demands high dimensional accuracy.
Mechanical Pressed Board (Lowest cost)
Features:
- Lower strength
- Less durable than vacuum board
Suitable for budget-conscious projects, but avoid high-temperature or heavy-load use.
Key Types and Performance Breakdown for Ceramic Fiber Boards
Temp ratings make a big difference in performance. Here’s a handy engineer chart:
| Type | Rated Temp | Ongoing Use Temp | Bulk Density | Thermal Conductivity (at 800°C) | Use Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1050℃ Board | 1050℃ | 900℃ | 240–380 kg/m³ | 0.20–0.25 | Typical for basic insulation, non-vital spots |
| 1260℃ Board | 1260℃ | 1000–1100℃ | 260–400 kg/m³ | 0.18–0.23 | Solid performance, used everywhere |
| 1400℃ Board | 1400℃ | 1200–1250℃ | 300–450 kg/m³ | 0.17–0.20 | Stronger shock and shrink resistance |
| 1600℃ Zirconium Board | 1600℃ | 1350–1400℃ | 320–470 kg/m³ | 0.15–0.19 | For extreme hot furnaces, key heat-treat zones |
Engineer’s Conclusion:
If you’re unsure what to pick, the 1260℃ board works for almost 70% of industrial furnace linings.
However, if you deal with glass, electric furnaces, lab equipment, or direct flame impingement, you should step up to at least 1400℃ or 1600℃.
Working Temperature Range: How to Calculate What You Need
“My furnace tops at 900℃, so 1050℃ board’s fine, right?”
Not quite.
Engineers usually go by:
Rated material temp = Furnace max + 100-200℃ buffer
Why? Three reasons:
- Spotty temp variations inside—some areas run hotter.
- Long-run use wears down performance.
- Gas scouring, uneven spots, and shocks speed up damage.
Quick Picks:
- Heat-treat furnaces: 1260℃ or 1400℃ boards
- Ceramic kilns: 1400℃ boards
- Glass sector: 1600℃ boards
- Lab furnaces: Structure-dependent, often 1600℃ zirconium
- Hot air lines: 1050℃ or 1260℃ boards
Typical Uses for Ceramic Fiber Boards (By Conditions)
These boards hit nearly every high-heat field, but needs vary by job.
High-Temperature Industrial Equipment
- Insulation layers for all types of industrial furnace linings
- Seals for furnace doors, sight/peep holes, and air inlets
- Structural support liners for furnace tops
- Baffle plates inside combustion chambers
Metallurgy Industry
- Heat treatment furnaces for casting
- Lining boards for bogie hearth furnace doors
- Insulation structure for pusher-type furnaces
Petrochemical Industry
- Insulation boards for cracking furnaces
- Lining for hot air ducts and flues
Ceramics and Glass
- Side walls of firing kilns
- Support pads/kiln furniture
- Glass annealing furnaces
Electric Heating Equipment
- Muffle furnaces
- Heating chambers for lab furnaces
As an engineer, the most common mistake I see is:
Using a standard 1260℃ board in a direct flame impingement area, which then pulverizes and falls apart within 3 months.
Therefore, if your application involves flame impact, high convection, or severe thermal shock, you must select a board with high density + high-temperature grade.
How to Pick? 4 Key Standards for Buying Ceramic Fiber Boards
From dozens of projects, here’s my simple logic:
Temp first, then density, strength, conditions.
Let’s break it down:
Picking the Right Temp Rating
- Max temp + buffer = Board rating
- For flame zones, level up (like 1260℃ to 1400℃).
Density Calls the Shots (Higher Means Tougher on Wear)
Usual ranges:
- 240 kg/m³: Budget, non-key areas
- 280–320 kg/m³: Standard for projects
- 350–400+ kg/m³: Strong, wear-resistant. The higher the density:
- Lower conductivity
- Better vs. wind
- Longer life against flow wear
Thermal Conductivity (Hits Energy Use) Key for green upgrades.
If you’re revamping boilers or kilns for savings, this is the stat to watch.
Shock Resistance / Strength
Fits apps like:
- Doors are opening/closing a lot.
- Hot-cold swings
- Flame wear
- Big flue winds
- Support needs
Ceramic Fiber Board Sizes and Custom Options
Standard fits (common in the biz):
- 900×600 mm
- 1000×600 mm
- 1200×600 mm
- Thickness: 10–100 mm. For special needs, CVSIC offers:
- Oversized up to 2400mm lengths
- CNC cuts
- Odd shapes (circles, grooves, traps)
- Coated boosts (hard surfaces, anti-wear)
Purchase high-quality boards from Chinese ceramic fiber board manufacturer
Ceramic Fiber Board Installation Tips
Improper installation, even with the best material, can cause pieces to fall off within 6 months.
The following advice is critical:
Cutting Method
You should use:
- A woodworking saw
- A precision cutting machine
Avoid “heavy-handed hammering.”
Fixing Method
For high-temperature sections, prioritize:
- Stainless steel pins or stud welding
- Special high-temperature adhesive
Splicing Method
- Minimize gaps
- Use ceramic fiber paper as a backing layer/gasket.
- Seal localized areas with ceramic cement.
Pre-Firing Treatment
For 1600℃ zirconium, ramp the heat slowly to cut shocks.
Avoid Water Immersion
Water-soaked wood weakens boards—keep ’em dry.
Factors Affecting the Price
The price of ceramic fiber board is highly variable and influenced by several factors:
- Temperature Grade (Determines the raw material cost)
- 1050℃ → Cheapest
- 1600℃ → Most expensive (high raw material cost)
- Density (Affects how much material is used)
- There is a noticeable cost jump between 280 kg/m³ and 350 kg/m³ boards.
- Process (Vacuum formed vs. Mechanical pressed)
- Custom Dimensions (Cutting fees, material waste)
- Order Volume (Are you buying a full pallet or a full container?)
- Brand Reputation and Quality Consistency
Practical Tips for Installing and Maintaining Ceramic Fiber Products
CVSIC’s OEM/ODM Capabilities
As a professional ceramic fiber manufacturer, CVSIC can provide:
OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) Service
- Your custom brand packaging
- Laser-engraved LOGO
- Production exactly to customer-specified parameters
ODM (Original Design Manufacturer) / Custom R&D
- Formulation design for unique temperature needs
- Custom density and strength requirements
- Manufacturing of irregular shapes
- Full engineering support (including furnace lining structure calculations)
Supply Advantages
- Free samples available
- Global shipping (Air or Sea freight)
- Fast lead times 7–10days
- Competitive ex-factory pricing
FAQ
Does ceramic fiber board create dust? Is it harmful?
There is minimal dust during installation, but it’s stable during use. We recommend wearing a dust mask while installing.
Can ceramic fiber board handle mechanical stress
It’s fine for light structural support, but it is not a primary load-bearing material. If you need it to bear a load, consult CVSIC for a custom reinforcement plan.
Is a higher temperature rating always better?
Nope. High-temp grades are more expensive, and if your application doesn’t require it, you’re just wasting your budget.
Is it a defect if the board turns yellow or black?
Nope, that’s just a normal heat treatment reaction and doesn’t affect the quality.
Can it replace refractory bricks?
It can be used in some applications, such as insulation layers or furnace door panels. However, load-bearing structures still require traditional refractory bricks or castables.
