PRINT-IN-REGISTER & 3D DIGITAL STRUCTURE:
ALIGNED DESIGN AND TEXTURE
The SynchroTile patent package consists of two complementary technologies for texture and design for ceramic tiles: Print-In-Register with design alignment and 3D Digital Structure.
Print-In-Register creates a consistent look and feel by synchronizing the graphic pattern and the texture.
Digital Structure enables a whole new world of 3D design and texturing possiblities.
These technologies can be used separately or combined to create the most realistic natural effects for wood and stone designs.
Print-in-register
Print-In-Register matches digital printing with the structure of the ceramic body. The use of a detection system recognises 3D textures on the base body. These textures are then synchronized with multiple graphic patterns by identifying the texture. The 3D texture integrates with the digital design of the material, achieving an extraordinary realistic and natural effect. The technology is especially suited for wood and stone decor designs.
How does Print-in-register work?
The SynchroTile print-in-register technology ensures an excellent synchronization between the relief structure of the ceramic tile and the digital decor in three steps:
1. The mould creates a relief structure on the tile
2. A state-of-the art camera inspection system identifies the structure of the tile
3. Align the graphic design with the identified material structure via digital printing
3D Digital Texturing
The 3D Digital Structuring production technology combines digital printing of graphic patterns with digital 3D material structure. The negative or positive digital embossing can be achieved by applying a glue and a grit, a repellent or sinking agent, or a digital glaze. The textures are easily synchronized with multiple graphic patterns and colored designs, achieving an extraordinary realistic and natural effect.
How does 3D Digital Structuring work?
METHOD 1: USING A GLAZE
Digital printing of glaze forms structure in the ceramic tile, while synchronizing the graphic design. This combines two production processes to create a real touch & feel.
METHOD 2: USING A SINKING AGENT OR REPELLENT
Either a sinking agent is used as a substance to interact during firing with the glaze to create a structure in the ceramic tile, or a carver that repels the glaze before the firing process, generating a structured ceramic tile.
METHOD 3: USING GLUE AND POWDER
By digitally printing a glue on specific spots of the ceramic tile, subsequently dry powdering the tile with a grit and removing the loose powder, leaving a life-like 3D structure.
