Dr. Orton recognized the ceramic industry`s need to have a calibrated visual device to measure the amount of heat work delivered to ceramic products during the firing process to validate thermal processing. To meet this need he developed a series of pyrometric cones and established the Standard Pyrometric Cone Company to manufacture the cones. Even with the subsequent development of thermocouples and electronic temperature controllers, Orton`s pyrometric products continue to be a vital part of process control systems around the world.

Upon his death in 1932, Dr. Orton established in his Will, for the creation of The Edward Orton Jr. Ceramic Foundation to operate as a charitable trust to continue the operation of the Standard Pyrometric Cone Company for the benefit of the ceramic arts and industry. The primary purpose of the Foundation is to provide products to assist and enhance high-temperature processing of ceramics and other materials. The secondary purpose of the Orton Ceramic Foundation is to utilize the net proceeds from the primary purpose to support investigations and studies that will aid in the processing of materials for its customers.