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New possibilities thanks to new technology
Opoczno has taken yet another step towards innovation, this time by deciding to implement one of the latest, state-of-the-art technologies currently available in the ceramics industry. Continua+ by the Italian company Sacmi has become an integral part of the Opoczno factory operations, helping to bring production up to a whole new level. But how did this southern technology help modernise a Polish company?
More than experience
Although Opoczno is a traditional brand with a long history – it was founded in 1883 – one of its main values has remained constant progress and setting trends, and not only with regards to design. Seeking to optimise production is also a key element of our brand philosophy. Poland is Europe’s third largest manufacturer of ceramic tiles, after Italy and Spain. To execute its strategy, Opoczno decided to implement a system developed by its Italian partner – Sacmi, which like Opoczno has been a successful ceramics manufacturer for many years. This nearly one century-old company from the south of the Old World is currently the largest provider of ceramics solutions.
Continua+ or industry 4.0
The newly implemented technology, developed by Sacmi, is considered revolutionary within the context of ceramic tile production. Continua+ enables us to manufacture tiles in almost all shapes and sizes – even as large as 120x240 cm and as thick as 6-12 mm. This is possible thanks to a new method of pressing the granulated material on a conveyor belt using rollers, a process which replaces moulds. However, Continua+ is about more than just being able to make different-sized tiles. The dry tile decoration systems it employs is especially advanced, and enables us to manufacture in-body coloured and multi-layered tiles by precisely controlling the granulated material and decorative flake layering. Powdered mineral materials of different nature and in all kinds of colours can be mixed to make a wide range of combinations, resulting in the final product standing out from traditionally-manufactured tiles. What is more, modern production control measures enable us to adjust the production volumes on the fly to match the demand, and the cutting-edge MDX technology used to control the pressing density and tile thickness during the production process means that Continua+ offers complete control over quality. The technology is especially important for manufacturing highly aesthetic premium tiles. This is why this complete, integrated and smart system is so highly acclaimed in the global ceramics production market, and is employed by only the best ceramics manufacturers.
New benefits
Continua+ does more than improve the production process itself, however, it also has a tangible effect on our range of tiles. Thanks to it, Opoczno can now offer higher-quality products at affordable prices, including the Grand Concept collection of gres tiles (Grand Wood, Grand Stone, Grand Concrete and Grand Colours). Innovation also applies to tile design – with new and unique formats and patterns. The digital wet and dry decoration technology facilitates the production of the popular large-sized plain, structured and polished tiles. In addition, the system has a positive impact on the environmental aspects of production. Thanks to the recycling process built into Continua+, it offers a sustainable way of managing waste, which can now be easily reused in the production process.
