How Porcelain And Ceramic Tile Is Made

Based on the type of tile and its purpose, the production of ceramic tile and porcelain tile can vary, but there are similarities in design and material elements across all types.

Ceramic tile is basically clay that is shaped and heated in a very hot kiln. It used to be that glazed tile was fired twice and unglazed, while unglazed tile was fired only once. Although technology has improved the production of ceramic tile considerably, the process as a whole hasn’t changed much.

One tile in three steps

Step 1: The first step is acquiring the necessary clay. Clay can be made from a variety of different materials, such as marble, slate, dust made out of pulverized rock and other materials like post-industrial and post-consumer glass. This was not always the case, for it used to be that clay was sourced from riverbeds. Fortunately, with the technology we have nowadays, that is no longer a necessity.

Step 2: After the first firing in the furnace, a tile body results which is known as “bisque”. Modern technology has replaced the tile-making by hand, which involved using wet clay, by pressing the clay between two metal dies. Once again, the tiles are heated at a temperature between 120 and 1060 degrees Celsius. It is during this process that the final form of the tile is achieved. Afterwards, if the tiles need to be colored, a mix of different dust colors are applied.

Step 3: If decorations are required, these are either added in the kiln at 750 degrees Celsius, or, for a more modern look, there is also the option of digital printing. Such a tile is the rectified tile, which can also be cut by lasers in order to ensure a more uniform edge.