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[August 2005]
SME Tile Manufacturer Sought for CRAFT Project on Pressing
The occurrence of density gradients in ceramic tiles during pressing is believed to be the primary cause of defects occurring during processing of ceramic tiles, such as differential shrinkage, different calibres and warpage. Density gradients are usually caused by poor die design, bad practice and/or unsuitable particulate materials. At present, these faults go undetected until the pieces have been fired, rendering them scrap.CERAM is seeking SMEs tile manufacturers for taking part in a proposed project in pressing of ceramic tiles. This project aims to develop an in-situ sensor that enables measurement of the density of ceramic tiles during pressing.
CERAM, with assistance from Modena University and an Italian press manufacturer (F.lli Rossi) are currently drafting this proposal under framework VI European funding call (CRAFT scheme).
The tile manufacturers will be involved in the project as end users: they will have the opportunity to test Pressing System before commercialization. In their own production plant, they will use the press prototype realized during the project by Flli Rossi or a Pressing retrofit system to be installed in a press already present in the plant.
The proptotype will be used by SME end user for pilot trials run in standard production environment. The duration will be fixed by SME itself.
Production data will be collected by project coordinator in order to draw up case study report for each SME testing UPV-Pressing.
The purpose of this activity is to collect on field production data to verify potential benefits / pay-back time associated with a switch to Pressing control system.No cash input will be required, only Contribution in Kind and a commitment to attend status meetings around Europe (travel costs should be refunded to you).
Last date for confirmation and completion of short questionnaire is 3rd September.
Contact: Giuliano Tari, Head of Technology Group, CERAM Process & Materials Division
Direct Tel: 01782-764240 E-mail: giuliano.tari@ceram.com
ENDS