Ceramic Tiles and Porcelain Tiles Q&A Part 2

What is ISO?

ISO is the abbreviation of International Standards Organization, a worldwide network of the national standards institutes of 157 countries. It has also drafted international standards (ISO/TC 189 "Ceramic Tiles") for ceramic tiles. ISO Standards are used by tile manufacturers worldwide.

What is an impervious stoneware tile?

Dust-pressed ceramic tiles with water absorption levels less than 0.5% are known as impervious stoneware tiles. They also have high mechanical and chemical characteristics. Also known as Fully Vitrified Stoneware or Porcelain Stoneware, these tiles are often recommended for exterior installations.

What is meant by tile finish?

Finish is the textural or visual characteristic of a tile surface. For glazed tile this may be bright or high gloss, satin or matte. Also, for both glazed and unglazed tiles, the finish can be flashed, textured, polished, raised, embossed, dimpled, etched, scored, ribbed etc.

What are single-fired or Monocottura tiles?

Monocottura is an Italian word meaning "single-fired". In this method, individual tiles are shaped, glazed and fired in one step, at the same time. These tiles are also known as Monocottura tiles. They may be glazed or unglazed. Single-fired tiles are much stronger, with better glaze adhesion.

What are double-fired or Bicottura tiles?

Double-fired or Bicottura tiles are glazed ceramic tiles produced by means of a procedure that breaks the firing process in two phases. An initial firing of the shaped raw materials produces a hard tile body or bisque and then a re-firing of the bisque takes place once the glaze or decoration has been applied. Usually, there are two glazes on the tile, first a non-transparent glaze on the body, then a transparent glaze on the surface. Double-fired tiles have sophisticated finishes with deeper shine and sharper colors.

What is extruded tile?

Extruded tiles are formed by a process in which the wet clay or plastic raw material is forced through a mold and then cut into shape before firing. These tiles are less dimensionally consistent than pressed tiles. Extruded tiles include rustic styles such as terra cotta and clinker. These tiles are often used outside or where a rustic effect is wanted

Extruded tiles are further classified as Precision or Natural based on technical characteristics relating to dimensional and surface qualities.

• Single extruded tiles are produced in a long slab, which is then cut to shape.

• Double-extruded tiles, also known as split tiles, are produced in a column that must be split before tiles are cut.

What is meant by dust-pressed tiles?

Dust pressed tiles are formed by the dust pressed method in which the finely grinded clay and raw materials are shaped in molds at high pressure before firing. Dry-pressed tiles are consistent with regard to their overall dimension. This method is also efficient and cost effective.