An innovative method for manufacturing large decorative ceramic tiles has been developed in Italy by System, Fiorano Modenese. Large, monolithic porcelain gres tiles that can measure up to 3,600 × 1,200 × 3.5 mm can now be manufactured with outstanding mechanical and aspect properties. These huge stone slabs are used as internal and external decorations for skyscrapers, factories, showrooms, hospitals and other residential or commercial buildings. The innovation consists of reducing the thickness of the tile by 66% while maintaining all of the favorable characteristics - impact resistance, flatness, extended variety of surface decorations - in a product which weighs two thirds less than a competing ceramic tile (even if not yet existing in this size). The robustness of these shatter-proof decorative elements is provided by a mat of glass fiber glued onto their back using a very thin layer of two-component polyurethane adhesive. A dedicated metering, mixing and spraying solution has been designed for this sophisticated application. An intense, joint effort has characterized the development phase of this innovative technology, with System and Cannon R&D specialists cooperating as a team to achieve the desired result.
展开▼
