High-quality channel blocks are in great demand on the market. This is why RATH has not only resumed production of forehearth 333 channel blocks, but has also developed new, premium zircon-mullite channel blocks: Recently RATH has started to supply the FOURATH®420 and 433 zircon-mullite channel blocks to its customers.
Continuous research and development are a top priority at RATH. A recent example of this: FOURATH®4, a new, advanced feeder expendables series, based on an optimized formulation that has been exclusively developed and produced by RATH. FOURATH®4 has been tested thoroughly in the RATH laboratories and confirmed by outside, independent laboratories. Working with several customers, FOURATH®4 has successfully passed the first glass factory trials in the last 2 to 3 years.
“The customer feedback regarding the product performance of the FOURATH®4 series supports maximum efficiency and quality in glass production,” said Robert Nusszer, Head of Sales Glass, RATH.
During the R&D process, RATH selected the highest quality raw materials to keep the impurity level to a minimum and achieve the lowest possible glass corrosion, infiltration, devitrification and blistering rate. To be more competitive on the market, the entire manufacturing process was converted from clay-bonded slipcasting to chemically bonded vibrocasting.
“This brings some significant advantages to our customers,” Nusszer explained. “The product quality is improved, with better corrosion, infiltration and devitrification resistance, better thermal shock and crack resistance, longer service life due to a more compact mix, better surface quality, significantly lower porosity and higher CCS. Better product quality and longer service life – this is how we also support the glass industry in its sustainability efforts.”
Newly developed channel block qualities: FOURATH®420 and 433 zircon-mullite channel blocks
Recently RATH has started to supply the FOURATH®420 and 433 zircon-mullite channel blocks to its customers.
“The first installations were done in May/June 2023 with great success,” Nusszer said. “Currently we have several ongoing projects in the production phase, and in 2024 we continue to expand our forehearth business segment, offering a complete refractory package to our customers.”
In addition to the development of FOURATH®4, RATH has resumed the production of forehearth 333 channel blocks at the US facility in Owensville. The channel blocks are manufactured using the original 333 formulas with the original casting technology, which made the mix popular on the market, from Europe to the USA and Asia.