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.
Double firing technical characteristics
UNI EN 14411 (ISO 13006) - BIII (Appendix L) GL
LAFAENZA have their own quarries of kaolin-based clays or fireclays (chamotte) used for double firing. The raw materials are submitted to dry grinding and suitably mixed and wet. Quick-cycle support firing is obtained via roller kilns reaching temperatures of approximately 1100 °C. After biscuit glazing, the glazed product is sintered in single-layer roller kilns at approximately 1030 °C. The resulting wall tiles have a flexural strength higher or equal to 15/ mm2 in accordance with UNI EN ISO 10545-4 and a water absorption higher than 10 %, and are rated as belonging to the BIII (GL) group according to the UNI EN 14411 standard. This class of products shows virtually no shrinkage during firing: such dimensional consistency results in extremely easy installation even when no intertile gap is required.
Glazed porcelain stonewere technical characteristics
UNI EN 14411(ISO 13006) -BIa (Appendix G) GL
Glazed porcelain stoneware tiles are manufactured using extremely pure, selected raw materials submitted to the most advanced extraction and sorting techniques; they are obtained with a production cycle similar to that of single-fired tiles. The resulting product is top-quality porcelain stoneware, obtained by raw materials wet grinding, followed by partial drying by spraying, silo storage to allow homogenisation of properties, and pressing with highly efficient hydraulic presses up to specific pressures exceeding 500 kg/cm2; high pressure values will result in a ceramic body obtained after suitable heat treatment at temperatures in excess of 1200°C characterised by high compaction and strength with very low water absorption (lower than 0.1% according to UNI EN ISO 10545-3), extremely high mechanical resistance (average value exceeding 50 N/mm2 according to UNI EN ISO 10545-4). Thanks to their low porosity, these tiles are frost-proof and rated as belonging to the BIa GL class according to the European Standard UNI EN 14411 which requires water absorption 0.5%. As for wear strength, it depends on the type of glaze and may change according to items. The modulus of rupture in accordance with UNI EN ISO 10545-4 results superior to 50 N/mm2 while the required value is 35 N/mm2. Our glazed stoneware is available in a wide range of sizes and finishes.
LaFaenza porcelain stonewere technical characteristics
UNI EN 14411(ISO 13006) -BIa (appendice G) UGL
LAFAENZA fine porcelain stoneware tiles are manufactured using selected, extremely pure raw materials, submitted to the most advanced extraction and sorting techniques. The resulting product is a top-quality fine porcelain stoneware obtained by raw materials wet grinding, followed by partial drying by spraying, silo storage to allow homogenisation of properties, and pressing by highly efficient hydraulic presses in order to achieve specific pressures of over 500 Kg/cm2. High pressure values will result in a ceramic body obtained after suitable heat treatment at temperatures of about 1250°C, characterised by high compaction and strength with very low water absorption (lower than 0.1% according to UNI EN ISO 10545-3), extremely high mechanical strength (average value exceeding 50 N/mm2 according to UNI EN ISO 10545-4). Fine porcelain stoneware, being a full body product, is characterised by a deep abrasion resistance (equal to 140 mm3 of removed material, as opposed to the 175 mm3 provided for by the UNI EN ISO 10545-6 standard); for this reason it is particularly suitable for heavy-traffic floors. Thanks to their low porosity, LAFAENZA products are frost-proof and rated as belonging to the BIa (UGL) class according to the UNI EN 14411 European Standard (water absorption being lower than 0.5%). Chemical acid and base resistance (UNI EN ISO 10545-13) makes LAFAENZA items particularly suitable also for environments where aggressive products are used, such as chemicals, e.g. food processing factories, hospitals, chemical or pharmaceutical plants. LAFAENZA fine porcelain stoneware products are available in a wide range of sizes and surfaces (slip-proof rough finish also available). Products with a smooth finish, due to the polishing process, are thinner than the corresponding products with a rough finish, and even though water absorption is the same, they are harder to clean. Good results are anyway obtained by using the recommended cleaning agents (see «Maintenance directions» table). Should any cleaning problems arise, we suggest contacting our Technical Division.
