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Training

Thermal expansion and flatness of ceramic tiles

This training aims to present the theoretical foundations of thermal expansion of ceramic materials and exemplify practical applications regarding the subject in the ceramic industry. Understanding the concepts involved with the thermal expansion of ceramic materials allows action to be taken on manufacturing defects, the correction of unwanted curvatures in ceramic plates and the interpretation of other phenomena that occur during the manufacture of ceramic materials, such as cracking and chipping. Furthermore, dilatometry can be used as an important tool for quality control of inputs (clays, masses, engobes, glazes, etc.).

Pathologies and manufacturing defects

Manufacturing defects and pathologies that develop during the use of ceramic tiles are responsible for losses in productivity and losses that can further compromise the image of companies and ceramic products. In this training, case studies are presented covering the main defects and pathologies that affect the manufacture and use of ceramic tiles. The use of characterization techniques to identify the origin of the aforementioned defects is discussed, covering cases of contamination that generate specific surface defects; cracks and ruptures of different natures; problems associated with decoration, deformations and dimensional inaccuracies; and pathologies that manifest themselves during use, such as detachments and stains.

Engobes and enamels for ceramic tiles

Engobes, glazes and decorations correspond to the most superficial layers of glazed ceramic products and are responsible for many of the main properties that determine their performance during use. This course, in addition to dealing with the fundamentals associated with the vitreous state, addresses the raw materials, typologies and properties of engobes and main glazes used in the ceramic tile industry. The main concepts of the rheological behavior of suspensions applied to enamelling and decoration are also covered. It can be taught in company or at CRC, also including practical laboratory activities.

Preparation of ceramic bodies for ceramic tiles

The training aims to review the concepts involved with the grinding and granulation of ceramic bodies through dry and wet processes, pointing out the peculiarities, advantages and disadvantages of the main technologies available and also indicating manufacturing defects that may occur when the body preparation is not carried out properly. In recent years, new technologies have been developed and existing technologies have been improved, making it possible to generate masses with more uniform particle sizes and suited to the needs of the subsequent stages of the manufacturing process. It can be taught in company or at CRC, also including practical laboratory activities.

sanitaryware raw materials and masses

The course addresses the particularities of the raw materials typically used to manufacture sanitaryware products, as well as the analyses recommended for evaluating the performance of sanitaryware materials during manufacturing. The concepts involved in the rheological and mechanical characterization of ceramic bodies before firing are emphasized, as well as the principles related to drying, enameling and sintering operations. It can be taught in company or at CRC, also including practical laboratory activities.

Formulation of porcelain tiles and other types

Course related to the development of skills associated with the activity of ceramic body formulations. The course is presented with examples linked to the development of porcelain tiles, but can be applied to other types of ceramic products. In addition to a review of the typical characteristics of raw materials, the course indicates the formulations generally used for the manufacture of porcelain tiles and the criteria used to develop the formulations. In the final part of the course, the most modern tools that can be used to develop formulations are presented, such as linear programming, design of experiments involving mixtures and artificial intelligence. It can be taught in company or at CRC, also including practical laboratory activities.

Raw Materials Used in the Ceramic Industry

Course related to the characteristics and quality control of raw materials typically used in the ceramic industry. The typical physicochemical characteristics of clays, kaolins, bentonites, feldspars, phyllites, nephelines, quartz, talc, carbonates, among others, are covered. Simultaneously, characterization procedures indicated for the control of mining and batches formed for the supply and/or receipt of these minerals are presented. It can be taught in company or at CRC, also including practical laboratory activities.

Fundamentals of Ceramic Tile and Porcelain Tile Manufacturing

Course that addresses the fundamental principles involved in the manufacture of ceramic tiles, involving concepts regarding the final product, raw materials and manufacturing process. The content covers plastic and non-plastic raw materials, rheology fundamentals involved in the body preparation, the forming process, drying, enameling, sintering and end-of-line operations. It can be taught in company or at CRC, also including practical laboratory activities.