Tile is a popular choice for flooring, backsplashes, and bathrooms. In order for the ceramic tile to appear shiny and have a beautiful assortment of colors, it must be glazed correctly using special equipment designed to apply the glaze in a large manufacturing capacity. Old methods required tile sellers to glaze and fire their products by hand, but new specialized equipment is now available to make the glazing process more efficient and to give the ceramic tile a more uniform, even appearance. Here is some helpful information about how various glazing equipment can apply a beautiful shine to mass-produced ceramic tile. 

Formulating The Glaze

Before applying glaze to ceramic tile, it should be tested rigorously to make sure that it resists cracking and can handle the thermal expansion of the ceramic as it heats. Equipment technicians should be trained to use the glazing equipment to fire the tile for a single or double firing application depending on the type of glaze being used. The correct time and temperature should be indicated so that the glaze will adhere properly and last a long time once it's applied to the ceramic. Ideally, tests performed in a lab on a smaller scale should be performed to ensure that the glaze being applied will work for large-scale operations and products before they hit the market.

Equipment Application Methods

There are several ways in which this new technology in tile glazing equipment can apply the material directly to the surface. Here are some of the various application methods available today, depending on manufacturing needs:

• Waterfall: This process involves applying glaze in liquid form as the machinery drizzles it over the tile in a free-form fashion. Using high-density glaze formulas ensures that the surface application is even and smooth.
• Spraying: Some glazing equipment uses a series of sprayers that are designed to directly spray the glaze onto the surface of the ceramic tile. As the tiles pass under the sprayers, it applies an even coat to the top of the tile. Once dried, the glaze is cured and the tiles are ready to be sold. 
• Dry Glazing: This application method can most often be found in modern floor tile production centers. A dry powder known as granulated glaze is spread over top of a wet based glaze using a motorized distributor that applies it over the top of the tile. As the tile is fired. the wet and dry materials cure together to create a beautiful, uniform surface that's much more durable than some other forms of glazing. The equipment helps distribute the dry glaze onto the tile in a faster, more efficient manner that prevents spilling.

With the use of industrial glazing equipment, tile manufacturers can produce quality products in large quantities for an impressive look that homeowners will enjoy using. Contact a business, such as Calgary Crane and Rigging steel erection, for more information about tile glazing.   

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