Device for compacting powder material, in particular ceramic material

Abstract

A device (100) for compacting a layer (MT) of powder material; the device (100) comprises a movable surface (12), which is designed to convey the layer (MT) of powder material in a predefined feedingdirection (F); a compacting belt (22) positioned over the transport surface (12); a pressing station (40, 45, 50, 55), which is designed to press the compacting belt (22) towards the transport surface(12), so as to press the layer (MT) of powder material; and an expansion countering station (80), which is designed to counter the expansion of the layer (MT) of powder material downstream of the pressing station (40, 45, 50, 55) and comprises a pusher delivering a gas under pressure to create a pushing gas cushion (STR; STR*) on the compacting belt (22).

Description

technical field [0001] The invention relates to a device for compacting a layer of powder material, in particular ceramic powder. Background technique [0002] In the ceramic industry, devices for forming tiles are known which comprise a flexible conveyor belt on which ceramic powder is gradually deposited. [0003] The powder bed is fed forward by passing across a conveying surface of a continuous compaction station designed to compact the powder bed as it moves forward on the conveying surface. [0004] A compaction station typically includes two flexible compaction surfaces, one on top of the other, and both slide in the same direction as the conveyor belt. [0005] Typically, each compaction surface is defined by a respective flexible sliding strip. [0006] The lower compaction surface is located below and in direct contact with the conveying surface so as to support the conveying surface by resting on the conveying surface; the upper compacting surface is located at ...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

[0029] · With increased wear on the belt as mentioned in the previous point, there is a high risk that a portion of the powder to be compressed will be present between the flexible pushers, leading to breakage of the final product;

[0030] Friction, together with powder, can cause defects on the inner surface of the strip, which can affect the final product

[0031] It is also known that it is not possible to use lubricants to reduce friction, since they are inevitably distributed on the inner surface of the belt, thus changing the adhesion conditions between the belt and the drive roller, the transmittable torque drops sharply, and thus the slippage of the belt also drops sharply

Images