Industrial Refractory Products: Over 20,000 Tons Per Year
SAS FOURS has been manufacturing and distributing refractory products since 1934. With over 20,000 tons produced annually, we are one of the major players in industrial refractories in France, and the reference partner for 80% of French foundries.
Our expertise covers the entire chain: raw material selection, manufacturing, on-site application, and monitoring of installations in service.
Our Application Areas
Cold Blast Cupolas
Since 1965, SAS FOURS has been designing and manufacturing AUTOJET® pneumatic projection equipment for cupolas with diameters of 700 mm or greater. This equipment replaces manual ramming with reliability proven over decades.
AUTOJET III EBA — 300 liters, automatic, output 4–5 t/h AUTOJET III EBS — 150 liters, manual, output 2 t/h
Long Campaign Cupolas
We supply silicon carbide-reinforced concretes for repairs to tapping and slag removal siphons, as well as preformed and presintered inserts for the basin/forehearth connection.
Crucible Induction Furnaces
SAS FOURS offers a complete range of installation equipment (vibrating crosses and pillars, pneumatic and electric vibrators) as well as SILMATIC, an automated machine that eliminates all handling of siliceous products.
Channel Induction Furnaces
We handle all refractory operations for these furnaces: preparation, drying, sintering, and metal charging. We also provide training for local personnel for future operations, as well as computer-based monitoring and maintenance.
Ladles
Minimizing heat loss and maximizing lining life are our two priorities for ladles. We advise on and install the linings best suited to your process.
Our Quality Process
Need a refractory suited to your application? Contact our engineers for a free diagnostic – Response within 24 hours.
Refractory Products FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions
What is an industrial refractory product and what is it used for?
A refractory product is a material capable of withstanding very high temperatures without deforming or degrading. In industry, it is used to protect furnaces, vessels, and melting equipment against intense heat and contact with molten metals. SAS FOURS manufactures and distributes over 20,000 tons of refractory products per year, primarily for iron, steel, and aluminum foundries.
For which equipment does SAS FOURS supply refractories?
SAS FOURS offers refractory solutions suited to a wide range of equipment: cold blast cupolas, long campaign cupolas, crucible induction furnaces, channel induction furnaces, and ladles. Each application has products specifically formulated to meet the thermal and mechanical constraints specific to each type of equipment.
What is a cupola and which refractory is best suited?
A cupola is a melting furnace used in foundries, primarily for cast iron. For cold blast cupolas with a diameter of 700 mm or greater, SAS FOURS recommends pneumatic projection of the refractory, a more reliable and uniform technique than manual ramming. Since 1965, SAS FOURS has been designing and manufacturing AUTOJET machines dedicated to this operation, recognized for their robustness and reliability. For long campaign cupolas, we offer silicon carbide-reinforced concretes as well as preformed and presintered inserts.
What is AUTOJET and why use it?
AUTOJET is a pneumatic refractory projection machine developed by SAS FOURS since 1965 and installed in numerous French foundries. It advantageously replaces manual ramming for large cupolas, ensuring rapid, uniform, and reproducible refractory installation. Two models are available: AUTOJET III EBA (300 liters, automatic, output of 4 to 5 tons/hour) and AUTOJET III EBS (150 liters, manual, output of 2 tons/hour).
How does SAS FOURS work on crucible induction furnaces?
For crucible induction furnaces, SAS FOURS supplies all refractory installation equipment: vibrating crosses, vibrating pillars, pneumatic vibrators, and electric arm vibrators. To eliminate all manual handling of siliceous products, SAS FOURS has also developed SILMATIC, an automated machine that secures and optimizes this operation.
What does the SAS FOURS service on channel induction furnaces include?
SAS FOURS handles the entire intervention on channel induction furnaces: joint preparation, inductor assembly, drying, sintering, and metal charging. Temperature monitoring is ensured through hot air generators and oxygen-gas burners, with continuous recording of thermal data. SAS FOURS also provides training for local personnel for future operations.
Does SAS FOURS provide monitoring and maintenance of refractory furnaces over time?
Yes. We offer a continuous monitoring service for channel induction furnaces, based on regular computer entry of electrical and temperature measurements, supplemented by periodic thermographic observations. This monitoring allows anticipation of drifts invisible to the naked eye, planning of interventions, and prediction of inductor changes before any failure. This is a predictive maintenance approach that reduces unplanned downtime and extends equipment life.
How can the refractory lining of a ladle be optimized?
The lining of a ladle must meet two contradictory requirements: minimize heat loss to maintain metal temperature, and maximize refractory life to limit interventions. SAS FOURS selects materials and lining configurations based on the metal being treated, working temperatures, and production rates. Our experience in iron, steel, and aluminum foundries enables us to offer solutions that are safe, effective, and economical.
Why choose SAS FOURS for industrial refractory needs?
SAS FOURS is one of the few market players to master the entire chain: refractory product manufacturing, installation machine design, installation by specialized teams, and long-term technical support. With 85 years of experience, over 20,000 tons produced per year, and ISO 9001 certification, SAS FOURS is the reference partner for major French and European foundries. 80% of the French foundry market is a SAS FOURS client.