Innovative process for ceramic tile manufacturing: Double pressing with continuous precompaction

The recent introduction of tile manufacturing systems based on double-pressing technology has aroused great interest, particularly in the porcelain tile field, which focuses on imitating natural products (marbles, granites, etc.) and requires a ceramic body with an appropriately decorated surface. The range of attainable "in pressing" effects has thus been extended, without affecting line productivity. This paper presents the latest development in this technology, involving the preparation of pre-compacted ceramic bodies by a continuous process. The constraints of the traditional charging and compaction systems are thus avoided, achieving total decoration, inside the tile body as well.