Quality criteria in surface finishing: “Care is the highest priority”

»1 Delivery of an engobe

»2 Pycnometer and scale for determination of the litre weight

»3 Measurement of the immersion flow time

»4 Determination of the application weight based on weighing of the piece before and after application of the engobe

dito

»5 Typical log for quality monitoring

»6 Samples after firing in a gradient kiln

Thanks to the surface finishing of many heavy clay products, a wide variety is available on the market today. But in the production of engobed or glazed roofing tiles and clinker bricks, undesirable results repeatedly occur. Many sources of defects can be avoided with sensible and systematic quality management from the start.

1 Introduction

A functioning production process with a high-quality finished product can only be optimized based on constant checking of processes and procedures. Improving efficiency and increasing added value in ceramic production can be best achieved with process optimization. In Grothe’s experience, certain technological parameters must be strictly maintained in the production process. Surface finishing of roofing tiles and clinkers is a complex and sensitive process – any deviations can completely change the finished product. Only with awareness and maintenance of all parameters can a...