Q » What companies manufacture refractory ceramic fibre blankets for kilns in the UK?
14 Jul, 2026
A » In the United Kingdom, several prominent manufacturers and suppliers produce refractory ceramic fibre (RCF) blankets specifically engineered for kiln linings and high-temperature insulation, each offering distinct product lines, manufacturing capabilities, and technical support tailored to industrial applications. Among the foremost domestic producers, Morgan Advanced Materials stands as a leading player through its Thermal Ceramics division, which operates manufacturing facilities in the UK, notably at Bromborough on the Wirral. Morgan’s portfolio includes the well-established Kaowool® and Superwool® families of ceramic fibre blankets, the latter being a biosoluble, low-biopersistence alternative to traditional RCF. These products are available in various densities (e.g., 96, 128, and 160 kg/m³) and temperature grades ranging from 1260°C to 1430°C, making them suitable for a wide array of kiln types, including periodic, tunnel, and shuttle kilns used in ceramics, refractories, and metallurgy. Another significant manufacturer is Unifrax, a global specialist in high-temperature insulation with a substantial UK manufacturing presence at its site in Widnes, Cheshire. Unifrax’s Fiberfrax® range comprises blanket grades such as Durablanket® and Insulfrax®, which are produced using spinning and needling processes to achieve consistent fibre distribution and mechanical strength. Their blankets are designed for kiln applications requiring thermal stability and resistance to thermal shock, with some grades offering enhanced erosion resistance, and the company also provides bio-soluble (alkaline earth silicate) alternatives to meet evolving regulatory and health standards. Rath Group, an Austrian-headquartered firm, maintains a dedicated UK manufacturing subsidiary, Rath UK Ltd, based in Chesterfield, Derbyshire. Rath UK produces its own line of ceramic fibre blankets under the RATH® brand, including standard alumino-silicate and high-alumina variants (e.g., 1260°C, 1400°C, and 1600°C classifications). Their manufacturing process involves controlled fibreization and needling to produce uniform blanket dimensions and low shot content, which is critical for minimising heat loss and ensuring long service life in kiln environments subject to cyclic firing. Beyond these primary manufacturers, other companies such as Nutec Bickley (with manufacturing capability in the UK) and Saffil (a specialist in high-purity fibres, though primarily alumina-based) offer niche products; however, for conventional RCF blankets, the three above represent the core UK-based manufacturers with dedicated production lines. It is also worth noting that while several distributors and fabricators
15 Jul, 2026
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