Plastic Forming Clays
VANTAGE®
VANTAGE® ball clays are highly malleable and flexible when moistened, allowing them to be easily molded or shaped without breaking, cracking or deforming (plasticity). Because they are easily dispersed in water, these clays are ideal for use in blunging, filter pressing and extrusion processes, mulling prior to extrusion, and spray drying. In all applications, the rapid pick up and equilibration of process fluids with these clays help minimize batching and blending time.
A complete range of VANTAGE clay blends is available to achieve diverse formulation and processing objectives. These clays offer excellent suspension properties, rheological stability and compatibility with a wide range of fluxes and nonplastics, providing a versatile material that can affect both the finished product and production variables. VANTAGE ball clays are valuable components in body formulations ranging from decorative and table wares to electrical porcelain.
Product Highlight
VANTAGE is a premium, highly processed ball clay produced by Covia for the ceramics and industrial manufacturing industries. It is specifically engineered to disperse rapidly in water, making it a highly efficient option for slip make-down, slurries, filter pressing and plastic forming or extrusion processes.
The plastic properties of VANTAGE clays over a wide moisture range produce bodies that can withstand the rigors of automated processing and handling without cracking or deformation. Predictable forming characteristics — including moisture retention, shrinkage, firmness and strength — make VANTAGE ball clays an indispensable tool in the ceramic maker’s toolkit.
Mineral:
Ball clay
Product category:
Plastic forming clays
Applications:
Brick, refractories, ceramic ware
High dispersibility:
VANTAGE clay breaks down smoothly and easily when blunged, saving time and energy during slip preparation.
Excellent plasticity:
Provides excellent workability and green strength necessary for intricate ceramic pressing and plastic forming.
Consistent rheology:
Its uniform particle size and mineralogy result in reliable casting performance and predictable formed properties.
Low residue and carbon:
VANTAGE clays contain minimal organic impurities, making it highly suitable for fast-fire cycles and applications where surface finish is critical.
Customer Support
Covia’s ceramics team helps customers evaluate materials, solve formulation challenges and improve ceramic performance. With technical expertise across ceramic bodies, glazes and enamels, Covia can help manufacturers assess raw material selection and identify opportunities to improve forming, plasticity, strength and firing behavior.
Through laboratory analysis and application support, Covia works with customers to understand product requirements, kiln conditions and performance goals. That support helps ceramic manufacturers make informed decisions about mineral selection, formulation adjustments and production consistency.
Logistics
Covia’s Huntingburg, Indiana facility is the source of VANTAGE plastic forming clays. The VANTAGE series of ball clays are mined and processed under rigid Covia QIPSM statistical quality assurance programs. The result is consistent mineralogy and properties, as well as predictable results in demanding refractory applications.
With VANTAGE as part of a broader ceramic raw materials portfolio, Covia can help customers with every aspect of their ceramic formulation and production. We are the dependable ceramics partner, featuring high-quality raw materials, aligned with your goal of excellent product quality and delivery time for greater success.
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Contact Covia today at 1.800.243.9004 or Sales@CoviaCorp.com, or click to fill out this form.