Wall Tiles Manufacturing Process Explained by Morbi Experts
Morbi, Gujarat, is recognized globally as the "Ceramic Capital of India," producing nearly 90% of the country’s tiles. But what exactly goes into transforming raw earth into the gleaming surfaces that adorn our homes? To understand the excellence behind Wall Tiles Manufacturing, we look to the experts in this hub who have mastered the balance of traditional craftsmanship and Industry 4.0 technology.
Step 1: Raw Material Preparation & Milling
The journey begins with the careful selection of minerals. Leading ceramic manufacturers in Gujarat source high-quality clay, feldspar, silica, and quartz. These materials are weighed with precision and fed into massive ball mills.
Inside these mills, alumina balls grind the minerals into a fine powder, which is then mixed with water to create a liquid known as "slip" or slurry. This slip is passed through a spray dryer, where hot air instantly vaporizes the moisture, leaving behind uniform, free-flowing granules called "atomized powder." This refined powder is the "DNA" of the tile, determining its strength and water resistance.
Step 2: Hydraulic Pressing and Shaping
Once the powder is ready, it moves to the pressing department. This is where the tile takes its physical form.
Immense Pressure: Heavy-duty hydraulic presses, often exerting upwards of 2,500 tons of pressure, compact the powder into steel molds.
The Green Tile: The result is a "bisque" or "green tile." At this stage, the tile is solid but fragile, containing trace amounts of moisture.
Controlled Drying: These bisques pass through horizontal or vertical dryers to remove residual moisture. This step is critical; if even a small percentage of water remains, the tile could crack or warp during the high-temperature firing stage.
Step 3: Glazing and Digital Printing Excellence
This stage is where art meets engineering. The Best Tiles manufacturers in India utilize advanced Italian and Spanish digital printing technology to create the stunning visuals we see in modern showrooms.
Glaze Application: A base coat of glaze is applied to the tile surface. This provides the "canvas" and ensures the tile is waterproof and stain-resistant.
Digital Inkjet Printing: High-definition inkjet printers apply intricate designs—ranging from realistic marble veins to wood textures—directly onto the glaze.
Special Effects: Some premium collections include "reactive inks" or "sugar finishes" that add tactile textures and shimmering effects to the wall tiles.
Step 4: The Kiln – Firing to Perfection
The most dramatic transformation occurs in the roller kiln. The glazed tiles travel on a conveyor through a tunnel kiln that can be over 100 meters long. Temperatures are gradually increased, peaking between 1,050°C and 1,200°C.
During this process, the minerals fuse together in a state called vitrification. The glaze melts and bonds permanently to the tile body, creating a surface that is incredibly hard and durable. Experts from Morbi emphasize that "soaking time"—the duration a tile stays at peak temperature—is the secret to ensuring the tile doesn't bend or lose its dimensions.
Step 5: Quality Control and Sorting
The final step for Best Tiles manufacturers in India is a rigorous multi-point inspection. Tiles are scanned by automated AI systems and human experts to check for:
Dimensional Accuracy: Ensuring every tile is perfectly square and flat.
Shade Variation: Guaranteeing that every tile in a box belongs to the same "batch" for visual consistency.
Surface Integrity: Checking for pinholes, cracks, or printing errors.
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