SiC Roller
Main Chemical Compositions & Categories
SiC Rollers are manufactured from high-purity SILICON CARBIDE (SiC), typically using Reaction Bonding or Nitride Bonding techniques to achieve the required density, strength, and straightness.
| CATEGORY | BONDING / MANUFACTURING | OPERATIONAL TEMP. LIMIT | PRIMARY APPLICATION |
| Reaction-Bonded SiC (RBSiC) | SiC bonded with residual Si | ~1400°C | Most common for roller kilns; high strength, low porosity. |
| Nitride-Bonded SiC (NBSiC) | SiC bonded with Si3N4 | ~1650°C | Higher hot strength, excellent chemical resistance. |
Key Properties and Performance
| PROPERTY | TYPICAL PERFORMANCE | MECHANISM OF ADVANTAGE |
| Bending Strength (HMOR) | EXCEPTIONAL | High SiC purity and dense bonding provide superior rigidity and resistance to bending/sagging under load. |
| Thermal Shock Resistance | OUTSTANDING | High thermal conductivity (Tc) allows for continuous in-and-out cycling of the rollers through the hot zone without cracking. |
| Wear Resistance | VERY HIGH | The hardness of SiC and high-density surface minimizes wear and abrasion from product contact. |
| Dimensional Stability | EXCELLENT | Minimal creep or thermal distortion ensures consistent product travel and prevents roller jamming. |
Advantages and Key Characteristics
SiC Rollers are critical for modern roller hearth kiln technology, enabling high-speed production, high-quality output, and energy efficiency that is impossible with traditional oxide rollers.
- Enables Rapid Firing Cycles: The SiC material can withstand the extreme thermal gradients experienced as the rollers continuously pass through the hot zone and return to the cool zone. This allows for significantly faster conveyor speeds and, therefore, higher production throughput.
- Minimizes Energy Costs: SiC’s high Tc means the rollers heat up and cool down faster, wasting less energy on heating the roller itself, contributing to lower fuel consumption per unit of product.
- Superior Load-Bearing: The high Hot Modulus of Rupture (HMOR) allows the use of thinner rollers with wider spans between support bearings, maximizing the furnace’s usable width and load capacity.
- Prevents Contamination: Unlike metallic rollers or less pure ceramics, SiC is highly inert and non-contaminating, which is essential for firing high-quality products like tiles and sanitary ware.
Typical Industries and Applications
SiC Rollers are the standard for high-volume, continuous firing processes:
- Tile Industry: Continuous firing of ceramic wall and floor tiles (the main application globally).
- Sanitary Ware: Firing of toilets, sinks, and other ceramic sanitary products.
- Technical/Advanced Ceramics: Sintering and heat treatment of components where rapid, continuous processing is required.
Furnace Areas and Service Zones
They are specified as the primary product conveyance system within the hot zone:
- ROLLER HEARTH KILN: The entire bed of rollers carrying the product through the preheating, firing, and cooling zones.
- KILN ENTRANCE/EXIT: Rollers must tolerate rapid temperature changes during loading and unloading.
Key Data Sheet Properties to Consider
Selection criteria focus heavily on mechanical strength and thermal properties:
- Hot Modulus of Rupture (HMOR): CRITICAL VALUE. Must be exceptionally high at the service temperature (1250°C to 1400°C) to guarantee performance without sag.
- Thermal Conductivity (Tc): High value (e.g., 15 – 50 W / (m.K)) is required for energy efficiency and thermal shock resistance.
- Straightness/Concentricity: High dimensional precision is required to ensure smooth product conveyance and prevent vibration or wear.
- Diameter and Length: Must be matched precisely to the kiln’s specific design and loading requirements.
Technical Guidance: RBSiC is typically the most appropriate material for SiC rollers due to its low porosity and optimal balance of strength and cost. Proper maintenance involves regular checks for roller misalignment and avoiding point loading, which can lead to premature failure.
✨ Customization Services
We offer product customization services, allowing you to tailor the appearance, dimensions, or specific markings of items like refractory shapes or bricks. This includes options for incorporating specific geometric requirements to ensure seamless integration into your process systems.
🔬 Sampling for Testing & Validation
Free product samples are available for thorough testing and validation. This allows you to confirm the quality, compatibility, and performance of our materials—such as specific bricks, castables, or raw materials—before committing to a full order.
💡 Expertise in Refractory Solutions
Leverage our deep expertise to receive detailed, application-specific refractory solutions. We move beyond just selling products by providing comprehensive plans that encompass material selection, installation guidance, and performance optimization to maximize the lifespan and efficiency of your high-temperature processes.
Rabatec products are exclusively manufactured in facilities that have achieved rigorous ISO certifications across Quality (ISO 9001), Environmental Management, and Occupational Health & Safety. This commitment ensures every product, from refractory bricks to specialized equipment, meets the highest global benchmarks for performance, sustainability, and workplace safety.
📦 Logistics Excellence: Shipping, Packaging, and Marking
Minimizing Risk: We manage all logistics to minimize handling touchpoints and transit shock. Our carriers are pre-vetted for their experience in transporting heavy, fragile, and sensitive industrial materials.
Traceability: Every shipment includes comprehensive documentation and tracking information, providing end-to-end visibility and ensuring precise delivery coordination for your site.
Protection is Paramount: Our packaging strictly follows industry standards to prevent damage, corner chipping, and moisture absorption—especially critical for materials like Basic Refractory Bricks and Refractory Mortars & Mixes.
Robust Palletization: Products are secured on fumigated, high-strength export pallets (e.g., 1100x950mm or similar sturdy dimensions) using heavy-duty strapping and durable protective wrapping (polyethylene sheeting, cardboard, etc.) to withstand long-distance travel and multiple loadings.
Moisture Control: Sensitive materials are protected with appropriate sealing and, where necessary, desiccants or moisture-vapor proof enclosures to maintain the product's integrity until installation.
Clear Identification: All outer packaging is clearly marked on multiple sides with large, legible text for immediate identification and safe handling.
Full Traceability: Markings include all essential data points: Product Name, Quality Grade, Batch Number, Quantity, Net/Gross Weight, Order Number, and the Final Destination/Construction Area. This ensures every pallet can be accounted for and correctly staged upon arrival.
Safety & Compliance: We adhere to all regulatory requirements for marking, labeling, and placarding—especially for any items classified as Dangerous Goods—to ensure full compliance with international and domestic transport regulations.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Question | Elaborated Answer |
Q: What is the Refractoriness Under Load (RUL) of your refractories? | A: Refractoriness Under Load (RUL) is a critical property that defines the maximum temperature our materials can withstand while under compressive stress before deforming (softening). Since we offer a wide range of materials—from Alumina-Silicate Bricks to high-performance Silicon Carbide Bricks—the RUL varies significantly. For specific product data, please refer to the product data sheet or submit a quote request for the material you are interested in. |
Q: Where are the Rabatec refractories and materials produced? | A: Our products are primarily sourced from specialized manufacturing plants in China. Crucially, these facilities have all undergone rigorous audits and achieved comprehensive ISO certifications (Quality, Environment, and Safety), ensuring that production adheres to the highest global standards for consistency and performance. |
Q: What refractory materials does the company offer? | A: We supply a comprehensive portfolio of advanced refractory solutions, including: Shaped Products: Alumina & Silica Bricks, Basic & Specialized Bricks (e.g., Magnesia), SiC & Structural Ceramics, and Precast Shapes. Monolithic Products: Refractory Castables, Mixes & Mortars. Insulation: Insulation Fibre and High-Performance Insulation Products. |
Q: How should I choose the appropriate refractory material for my application? | A: Selecting the correct refractory is paramount to process efficiency. The choice depends on three key factors: 1. Operating Environment: Maximum process temperature and thermal cycling (shock). 2. Chemical Attack: Type of slag, molten metal, or corrosive gas being handled (acidic, neutral, or basic). 3. Mechanical Stress: Abrasion, erosion, and static load requirements. We recommend utilizing our detailed refractory solutions service to consult with our engineers for an optimized, application-specific recommendation. |
Q: Which monolithic material should I choose when patching an existing lining? | A: For patching and minor repairs, the ideal monolithic material depends on the parent lining material, the patching depth, and the need for a rapid return to service. Common choices include: Refractory Mortars & Mixes (for minor joints/surfaces) or Plastic Refractories (for areas requiring physical compaction). Always choose a patch material chemically compatible with the existing lining to ensure proper bonding and service life. |
Q: Can I receive product samples before placing a major order? | A: Yes. We gladly provide product samples for your internal testing and validation purposes. This ensures you can confirm the quality, composition, and fit of the material—such as our Refractory Castables or Alumina-Silicate Bricks—in your specific operational environment before committing to a bulk purchase. |
Q: Do you provide certifications to verify material quality? | A: Absolutely. We provide product-related inspection certificates and quality assurance documentation upon request. This verifies that your order has passed all internal quality control checks and meets the required material specifications and industry standards. |
Q: What measures are taken for product protection during transport? | A: We ensure quick, reliable transport by using robust, industrial packaging that strictly follows industry standards. This includes high-strength palletization, heavy-duty strapping, and weather-resistant wrapping to protect fragile items like bricks and mixes from corner chipping, mechanical damage, and moisture during transit. |
