RAK Ceramics, one of the world’s leading multinational ceramic manufacturers based in Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates, has commissioned Sacmi to renew its large tile production line. An all-new CONTINUA PLUS line for the manufacture of technical and glazed porcelain tile is currently being shipped; this will produce tile as big as 1,500 x 3,000 mm with different thicknesses. CONTINUA PLUS is the latest evolution of the now-consolidated CONTINUA, a technology developed and patented by the Sacmi Group to manufacture large tile.

 

While on the Continua line, an initial on-conveyor, pre-compaction phase is followed by final pressing with a high-tonnage press. The Continua Plus line, which is able to press ceramic powders at a pressure of 450 kg/cm2 due to a “super-compactor,” continuously feeds a bed of spray-dried powder and transforms it into a firing-ready ceramic material. This ensures significant advantages in terms of both the reduction-rationalization of its installation and production costs and the outstanding flexibility and scope of output.

 

The order includes the powder loading unit with dry DDD digital machines, full-body APC filling devices and the accessories needed to make double filling and multi-layer effects, also with micronized powders. RAK Ceramics plans to expand its production range and dry graphic effects. The pressing section includes the PCR1600 PLUS super-compactor, which is able to compact a ceramic slab of unlimited length and a maximum unfired width of 1,600 mm, followed by a new single-layer dryer with a 3,500-mm-wide inlet to dry very large slabs.

 

Completing the line is a Colora HD 1808 digital decorator, the latest in the range by Intesa, the Sacmi Group company dedicated to developing digital decoration. Able to print on tile as large as 1,800 mm using eight color inks, this printer will be used to improve the aesthetic value of the tile.

 

For more information, visit www.sacmi.com.