Abstract
The capability to bend in a controlled manner Gres Porcelain stoneware tiles passing by a processes of pyroplastic deformation opens up new opportunities in utilisation of this important family of ceramics. A bent tile can be used in innovative applications, such as stairs, shelves, benches and even radiators, turning this element from a simple piece of furnishing in a modern functional component. But this change in functionality requires a new and different approach to the quality control that can no longer be limited to the validation tests as specified in the regulations used for traditional ceramics (e.g. colour, porosity, hygroscopic ...). Starting from a brief description of the first and only device devised for the verification of flexural resistance of curved tiles, this paper investigates the limitations and possibilities of use of that innovative equipment for product/process quality monitoring. Thanks to a careful modelling of its mechanism of operation, accompanied by various simulations comparing the limit cases of use, it has been possible to verify the incidence of some of the potential weaknesses of the equipment as well as to carry out a sensitivity analysis of this new tool for measure.
Highlights
Grès Porcelain stoneware is a compact, durable and economical material, representing a perfect solution in a large range of architectural applications
A multi-patented technique to manufacture special-purpose tiles, has been developed on the basis of a “pyroplastic” shaping of porcelain stoneware tiles [1, 2]. This process is based on a proper combination of tool machining and secondary firing in an oven which allows to bend the porcelain stoneware tile (Figure 1)
The practical needs to pay a particular attention, both to the control of products and processes, combined with the almost total lack of specific standards which could be used as a valuable reference for testing bended tiles, was the central motivation for the design and realization of an innovative experimental equipment
Summary
Grès Porcelain stoneware is a compact, durable and economical material, representing a perfect solution in a large range of architectural applications. The practical needs to pay a particular attention, both to the control of products and processes, combined with the almost total lack of specific standards which could be used as a valuable reference for testing bended tiles, was the central motivation for the design and realization of an innovative experimental equipment. This device (shown in Figure 4) was presented by developers and investigators [11], as the first and only experimental apparatus, at least up to now, developed for the off-line quality control of bended tiles. Thanks to a careful modelling of its functional mechanisms and use of various simulations, including several limit cases of utilisation, it has been possible to verify the factual incidence of potential weaknesses as well as to carry out a sensitivity analysis of this new tool for measure
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