Ceramic can be fired, while enamel typically cannot be fired in the same way as ceramic. Ceramics are formed through a firing process that involves heating the material to a high temperature, which causes it to harden and vitrify. Enamels, on the other hand, are glass-like coatings that are applied to ceramic or metal substrates and then fired at a lower temperature to bond the enamel to the base material. The firing process for ceramics is generally more intense and involves higher temperatures, whereas enamels are fired at lower temperatures, typically around 750-850 degrees Celsius (1,372-1,562 degrees Fahrenheit).

The primary reason for this difference lies in the composition and structure of the materials. Ceramics are inorganic, non-metallic materials that are typically composed of clay, feldspar, and quartz. These materials undergo a chemical reaction during firing, which transforms them into a hard, durable material. Enamels, on the other hand, are a type of glass that is applied as a liquid or powder and then heated to a lower temperature to harden. The lower firing temperature of enamels is due to their lower melting points compared to ceramics.

Data from the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) provides further insight into the firing temperatures for ceramics and enamels. According to ASTM C373, the firing temperature for ceramic tiles is typically between 1,200 and 1,400 degrees Celsius (2,192-2,552 degrees Fahrenheit). In contrast, the firing temperature for enamels is much lower, as specified in ASTM C879, which ranges from 750 to 850 degrees Celsius (1,372-1,562 degrees Fahrenheit).

In summary, ceramic can be fired at higher temperatures, while enamel is fired at lower temperatures. This difference is due to the distinct compositions and structures of the materials, with ceramics undergoing a chemical transformation during firing and enamels simply hardening through the application of heat.