What is the advantage of firing porcelain in a vacuum?

Firing porcelain in a vacuum provides the advantage of reducing the size of air bubbles, which decreases porosity. When porcelain is fired in a vacuum, any air trapped within the material can be eliminated, preventing the formation of large bubbles that would otherwise create voids in the final product. These voids can compromise the strength and durability of the porcelain, leading to increased chances of fractures or degradation over time. Therefore, eliminating these air bubbles enhances the overall integrity of the porcelain, resulting in a denser, more aesthetically pleasing, and stronger final product.

Increased hardness can occur due to the overall enhanced structure after firing, but the primary advantage from firing in a vacuum relates directly to porosity management. Similarly, while firing temperature can be important for certain materials, firing porcelain in a vacuum does not necessarily lower the firing temperature itself. Lastly, while color consistency is essential, the primary mechanism at play with vacuum firing relates to physical properties rather than purely aesthetic outcomes.