SINGLE FIRING TECHNICAL CHARACTERISTICS
"UNI EN 14411 (ISO 13006) - BIIa (Appendix J) GL"
White-body single-fired tiles are obtained by submitting raw materials such as top quality light-coloured clays, quartz and feldspar to wet grinding in continuous mills; after grinding, a clay-based suspension of these materials called “slip” is fed out of the mill then dried by spray-drying. The next phase is pressing: hydraulic presses are used with a specific pressing power exceeding 300 kg/cm2 in order to obtain ceramic body compaction. After drying as required, tiles are enamelled and decorated with glazes which combine aesthetic worth and top-class specifications. The glazing and support are fired simultaneously in single-layer roller kilns where temperatures of approximately 1200 °C are reached. The resulting product is normally a medium-to-low porosity (3% to 6%) tile, in compliance with the UNI EN 14411 standard and rated as belonging to the BIIa (GL) Group with remarkable technological specifications such as the product flexural strength (average value: 30N/mm2 according to UNI EN ISO 10545-4).
As for wear resistance, this will depend on the type and colour of glazing and may change according to items. However, the wear proof factor (UNI EN ISO 10545-7) and recommended uses are stated in the catalogue next to each type of floor tile. As a general rule, bright finishes are not recommended for heavy traffic floors or rooms opening onto outdoor areas, where sand or other abrasive materials are more likely to be brought in. 
ADVICE ON LAYING
Our MONOCERAM single fired tiles can be laid using either traditional cement mortar or tile adhesives. It is advisable to always incorporate suitable shrinkage-flexion joints which must not be spaced more than 4 - 5 linear metres apart from one another. It is advisable to dip the tiles in water before laying to remove any dust on the surface which could diminish the adhesive’s purchase on the tile when laying. Similarly, when laying large size tiles, it is best to adopt the two-layer spreading system to ensure the adhesive is spread over 90 % of the tile surface.
When laying floor tiles with a gloss glaze, it is good practice to protect the tiles after having laid and carefully cleaned them. Conversely, we advise against vibrating them using mechanical vibrators which could easily draw hard, abrasive grains of sand over the gloss surface scratching it. Special care must be taken when laying tiles. Following steps must be followed if the tiles are to be kept in good condition:
a) as already mentioned amongst the general points to bear in mind when laying the tiles, movement joints must be provided at set distances of not more than 4-5 metres in all directions. These joints must be inserted not only between the tiles, but also reach the levelling compound below, consisting of either cement mortar or dry compound, depending on whether the tiles are set in the traditional manner or in some form of adhesive; the movement joints must be sealed with appropriate materials such as silicone ore polyurethane-based sealants, depending on the traffic the flooring must endure;
b) the various layers separating the elements which make up the tile bedding must also be provided, such as the underlay, damp course, vapour barrier or any other layer necessary to prevent the tiles from detaching themselves or cracking as the penetration of water.
Download single firing technical characteristics
|
