Ceramic Engineering is the science and technology of creating objects from inorganic, non-metallic materials.
Ceramic Engineering is done either by the action of heat, or at lower temperatures using precipitation reactions from high purity chemical solutions. The term includes the purification of raw materials, the study and production of the chemical compounds concerned, their formation into components and the study of their structure, composition and properties.
Ceramic materials / Ceramic Engineering may have a crystalline or partly crystalline structure, with long-range order on atomic scale. Glass ceramics may have an amorphous or glassy structure, with limited or short-range atomic order. They are either formed from a molten mass that solidifies on cooling, formed and matured by the action of heat, or chemically synthesized at low temperatures using, for example, hydro-thermal or sol-gel synthesis.
The special character of ceramic materials gives rise to many applications in materials engineering, electrical engineering, chemical engineering and mechanical engineering. As ceramics are heat resistant, they can be used for many tasks that materials like metal and polymers are unsuitable for. Ceramic materials are used in a wide range of industries, including mining, aerospace, medicine, refinery, food and chemical industries, packaging science, electronics, industrial and transmission electricity, and guided lightwave transmission.
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Scope of Ceramic Engineering
Ceramic Engineering deals with the study of the properties, manufacture, design and applications of ceramic materials. Ceramic engineers are involved in any of the following areas of work .
Research
Ceramic Engineering 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 engineering 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 Engineering technologists may specialise in glass working in industries engaged in manufacture of tableware, fibre optics, bulbs, window panes, electronics ancillaries. Specialist in structural clay work in the manufacture of enamelled articles and pipes, engine pars, 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 and for the correction of the manufacturing processes by engineers in testing laboratories. Even the quality of raw materials used in the industry is tested.
Sales
They also work in sales for understanding customer needs for projecting these requirements to guide further research.
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Eligibility & Admission Process
For admission in a bachelor’s degree, the candidate must have passed the higher secondary school certificate (10+2) examination with science subject such as biology, maths and chemistry. For IITs, It is mandatory to qualify in the Joint Entrance Examinations (J.E.E). The duration for the course is 4 years.
Colleges
- Poojya Doddappa Appa College of Engineering, Gulbarga – Karnataka.
- H.K.E. Societies P.D.A. College of Engineering, Gulbarga – Karnataka.
- Anna University – Chennai.
- Andhra University College of Engineering, Visakhapatnam – Andhra Pradesh.
- Government College of Engineering and Ceramic Technology – Kolkata.
Job Prospects & Salaries
Engineering is one of the most rewarding and promising careers for young aspirants. In today’s world engineers probably have a wider choice to work, and greater variety of jobs, than is possible in any other profession. There is vast scope for engineers in areas such as polymer technology, textile technology, communication, computers, automobile, thermal engineering and so on. There are lots of job opportunities available in India as well as in foreign countries.
Graduates after completion of their course in engineering can seek employment opportunities in almost all related production industries, hospitals and research institutes. They could also seek employment in the government sector as well, in various arms of state and central government. Professionals in this career can also opt for teaching jobs in universities and colleges. Aspirants can also expand their skills and knowledge through pursuing more courses.
Remuneration
The remuneration of a professional mainly depends on the factors such as the company, job profile, qualification, skills and work experience. A skilled engineer employed in private sector can expect income around Rs. 15, 000 to Rs. 20000 every month in the beginning stage. After gaining experience one can earn more than 40,000 per month. Whereas in government sector there are specific pay scales for of the various state and central governments although with small variations from state to state. M.Tech degree holders from reputed colleges can earn handsome salary.
