SERIAL MANUFACTURING OF LIGHTENED CERAMIC FLOORINGS AND INDIRECT CALCULATION OF ENERGY SAVING

摘要

The optimization of the tile structure through different kinds of back reliefs is a new approach for the improvement of the tile industry, since these floorings could be manufactured with less support material and so they require less process energy. We have tested the viability of the serial production of lightened tiles, whose design is based in conclusions of previous theoretical works. Here we report genuine manufacturing handicaps and measure real energy savings. After our study, we conclude that these tiles could be produced with current technologies. A cut within 14 and 25% while firing is estimated.