Welcome to the Orton Refractory Technology Program
Discover the Refractory Technology Program brought to you by The Edward Orton Jr. Foundation and The American Ceramic Society. This program is designed by refractory experts to empower individuals seeking career advancement in the ceramics field.
Choose from two distinct refractory technology certificate tracks to hone your skills while learning from Orton professionals such as Dr. Joseph Homeny, who has decades of proven experience in the refractory ceramics field. Plus, participants can receive a complimentary ACerS membership for one year!
Choose from two dynamic certificates
Both comprehensive certificates are designed to provide a deep understanding of refractory technology and its applications. Upon successful completion of the courses within a program, you will earn a certificate from industry-recognized organizations serving the refractory industry. Most courses are available On-Demand, with some opportunities to complete Short Courses in-person or virtually at a specific date. Course details are available on their respective webpages.
Secure your spot now and embark on a journey of career growth and excellence in the ceramics industry. Contact ACerS Materials Science Specialist Madilyn Paul at mpaul@ceramics.org to get started today!
Basic Refractory Technology
Complete the below courses:
- Refractory Fundamentals (On Demand)
- Characterization of Refractory Microstructures (On Demand)
- Properties of Refractories (On Demand)
- Properties and Testing of Refractories (In-Person Short Course offered annually in the summer)
Intermediate Refractory Technology
Complete the below courses:
- Refractory Manufacturing (On Demand, Virtual Short Course Sept. 16–Dec. 4, 2025)
- Drying and Firing of Refractories (On Demand)
- Design and Failure of Refractories (On Demand)
- Properties and Testing of Refractories (In-Person Short Course offered annually in the summer)
About your instructor
Joseph Homeny is technical director of the Edward Orton Jr. Ceramic Foundation, Westerville, Ohio. He holds a Ph.D. in ceramic engineering from Pennsylvania State University and M.S. and B.S. degrees from Rutgers University. He has industrial refractories experience in the research laboratories of the J.E. Baker Company and North American Refractories Company, and industrial glass experience at Owens Corning. Prior to joining Orton in 1992, he was a professor in the ceramic engineering department of University of Illinois. Homeny is active in the refractories and advanced ceramic committees of ASTM.