Method and device for manufacturing tiles

Abstract

The invention relates to a method and an apparatus for manufacturing tiles. Method for manufacturing a tile (1), wherein the method comprises the steps of: forming (A) a ceramic support (1A); drying (B) the ceramic support (1A); processing (C) of material removal of the upper working surface (2A) of the ceramic support (1A) by means of a grinding tool (U); decorating (D) the structured upper surface (2D) by means of an inkjet printing process; firing (E) the ceramic support (1A) in order to obtain such a tile (1). Apparatus (10) for producing tiles, with atomized particles at an input end and tiles (1) at an output end, comprising in succession: at least one forming station (100); at least one drying station (200); at least one station (300) for processing by material removal; at least one decoration station (500) for structuring the upper surface (2D); at least one firing station (600); and at least a first conveyor belt (700).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing ceramic tiles and a plant for producing ceramic tiles using this method. Background Art

[0002] Ceramic tiles generally comprise a body of ceramic material, generally in the form of a panel, with an exposed upper surface, which is usually decorated. The upper surface may be patterned, showing, for example, an imitation of wood, natural stone, marble, cement, resin or any other design.

[0003] The decorative surface of the tile may also comprise a surface structure, manifesting for example as a three-dimensional simulation of at least one stone vein or wood grain, made by projections and / or depressions obtained directly during the shaping of the tile.

[0004] The known technology involves the creation of surface structures by pressing during the forming of the green tile.

[0005] Tiles may have paints, glazes, inks, physical or chemical embedding agents applied to the decorative surface.

[0006] Often, colored paints or inks are applied to give the bricks an imaginative color effect, in some cases even attempting to accentuate a three-dimensional effect.

[0007] If a more permanent three-dimensionality is desired, it is preferred to use a glaze or embedding agent instead, giving the tile a brighter and more pronounced color effect.

[0008] Disadvantageously, by the mentioned processes the coated surface still defines a structure which is unsatisfactory in terms of three-dimensional look and feel, particularly in terms of the depth of three-dimensionality obtainable when bricks are designed to simulate natural structures such as wood.

[0009] Therefore, in order to further highlight such protrusions and depressions, the industry has decided to develop methods of highlighting such protrusions or depressions by adding external materials that are fixed to the upper surface of the brick by adhesive elements.

[0010] In particular, the industry makes extensive use of granular materials or grits which are applied to the bricks prior to firing (arranged so as to create and / or accentuate protrusions and / or depressions).

[0011] Disadvantageously, the use of sand requires the use of specific glues that can be polluting elements affecting the environment, especially during high temperature firing in a kiln.

[0012] The regulation states that environmental pollutants must be collected through appropriate filtration systems, encouraging industry companies to find appropriate solutions to prevent their release into the environment.

[0013] Unfortunately, currently used solutions are not only very expensive and require the use of special extraction and filtration equipment, but are still not very effective in removing the odor load of the glue during firing.

[0014] Furthermore, the above solutions also have a huge economic impact, since a non-negligible amount of the sand is highly unstable, often partially disperses during application, and also affects the hygienic conditions of the working area. The biggest negative effect of using these glues and sands is still the heat capacity required to vitrify them. Summary of the invention

[0015] Therefore, the technical task of the present invention is to provide a method for manufacturing tiles and an apparatus for producing tiles, which can overcome the shortcomings occurring in the prior art.

[0016] The object of the present invention is therefore to provide a method for manufacturing a tile comprising a decorative upper surface with a three-dimensional decoration with high precision and accuracy, producing a decorative pattern simulating the structure of natural materials, such as reliefs in stone or wood, but which is simple and inexpensive to manufacture.

[0017] Another object of the present invention is to provide a method for manufacturing tiles comprising a three-dimensional decorative upper surface that complies with safety, environmental and ergonomic regulations, in particular by avoiding the release of substances with high olfactory impact due to the use of industrial glues and sand.

[0018] Another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for producing ceramic tiles, comprising a workstation that can be easily replaced or integrated with existing apparatus and which does not require the development of a dedicated filtration system to release odor-intensive substances used in the ceramic tile decoration process using glue and sand.

[0019] Another object of the present invention is to provide a more environmentally sustainable apparatus for producing ceramic tiles.

[0020] The specified task and technical purpose are achieved by a method for manufacturing ceramic tiles, comprising a step of forming a ceramic support starting from atomized particles. The atomized particles are intended to be a mixture of water, clay and other elements, intended to constitute ceramic tiles, which, after a first filtration process, obtain an unformed compound, called "atomized", containing no more than 30% by volume of water.

[0021] The formation of the ceramic support involves compacting the atomized material to obtain a plate-like geometry with a thickness of 3-30 mm.

[0022] Furthermore, the method comprises a drying step of the ceramic support until the water level reaches 1% to 7% of the total volume of the ceramic support.

[0023] Furthermore, the method comprises a machining step of removing material of the upper surface of the ceramic support by means of a grinding tool, so as to produce a three-dimensional geometric decoration comprising protrusions and recesses and to obtain a structured upper surface.

[0024] Furthermore, the method comprises the step of decorating the upper working surface of the ceramic support by applying a graphic pattern using an inkjet printing process.

[0025] Furthermore, the method comprises a step of firing the ceramic support to obtain a tile.

[0026] The specified task and technical purpose are also achieved by a device for producing ceramic tiles, having atomized particles at the input and ceramic tiles at the output, comprising a plurality of consecutive stations.

[0027] In particular, the device comprises at least one forming station, which includes at least one mold and / or at least one compactor belt, which is configured to form a ceramic support starting from atomized particles; at least one drying station for the ceramic support, which is configured to bring the water level of the ceramic support to 1% to 7% of the total volume of the ceramic support; at least one station for processing by material removal, including a grinding tool "U", which is configured to form three-dimensional geometric shapes on the upper surface of the ceramic support including protrusions and recesses and to obtain a structured upper surface; at least one decoration station, which is configured to decorate the structured upper surface of the support by an inkjet printing process; at least one firing station for the ceramic support; at least one first conveyor belt, which is configured to transport the ceramic support restingly between the various stations.

[0028] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will become more apparent from the indicative and therefore non-limiting description of a method for manufacturing a tile and of a device for producing a tile. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] This description will be set forth below with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are provided for illustration purposes only and are not intended to be limiting, in which:

[0030] Figure 1 shows a plan view of a tile having a decorative pattern on an upper surface;

[0031] Figure 2A Shows Figure 1 Detail of section AA shown in , at the beginning of a material removal machining step, starting from a ceramic support having a substantially smooth upper working surface;

[0032] Figure 2B Shows Figure 1 The detail of section AA shown in Figure 2AAt the end of the machining step of removing material from the upper working surface of the ceramic support, the ceramic support comprises a plurality of recesses and protrusions;

[0033] Figure 3A Shows Figure 1 Detail of section AA shown in , at the beginning of a machining step of material removal, starting from a ceramic support having an upper working surface comprising recesses and reliefs formed during a forming step;

[0034] Figure 3B Shows Figure 1 Detail of the section AA shown in , at the end of a machining step of material removal, starting from a ceramic support having an upper working surface comprising recesses and reliefs formed during a forming step, subsequently machined to increase the width and / or depth so as to obtain a structured upper surface comprising recesses and reliefs;

[0035] Figure 4 A succession of stations of a device for producing tiles according to the invention is shown;

[0036] Figure 5A A diagram showing an installation for producing tiles, in which the stations for processing by material removal are arranged in a straight line along a main working line;

[0037] Figure 5B A diagram showing an installation for producing tiles, in which a station for processing by material removal is arranged parallel to the main working line; DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0038] refer to Figure 1 , 1 represents a tile comprising a plate-like geometric shape. The tile comprises a finished upper surface 2, which comprises a three-dimensional decoration. Preferably, this three-dimensional decoration simulates the shape and consistency of a mineral material such as rock or a natural material such as wood, with three-dimensional variations in color and structure, the presence of veins or textures, knots, foreign matter or inclusions, etc.

[0039] The tile 1 is obtained following a process comprising a series of steps.

[0040] In particular, the forming "A" consists in forming, starting from the atomized particles, a ceramic support 1A having a plate-like extension with a thickness comprised between 3 mm and 30 mm.

[0041] Before the process of making bricks begins, a mixture of clay, water and other additives is provided in the form of atomized particles. The mixture includes a mixture of raw material powders (such as clay, kaolin, feldspar, quartz, metal oxides, frits) and other raw materials and water or other binding solutions.

[0042] This mixture is treated by heating by exposure to an open flame in order to remove an initial part of the water content by exposure to an open flame, thereby obtaining a semi-finished product in the form of a micronized powder containing less than 30% by volume of water.

[0043] Forming "A" involves placing the atomized material into a mold and pressing it to obtain a ceramic support 1A, essentially a green brick rigid enough to retain the geometry imprinted thereon.

[0044] The ceramic support 1A in turn comprises an upper working surface 2A intended to undergo various machining operations in order subsequently to obtain the above-mentioned decorated upper surface 2 of the tile 1 .

[0045] In more detail, the ceramic support 1A has a polygonal plate-like shape, and the upper working surface 2A is the surface that remains visible when laying the tiles.

[0046] In particular, the forming step defines a ceramic support using a smooth mold, the ceramic support comprising a substantially smooth upper working surface 2B, such as Figure 2A shown.

[0047] Alternatively, the shaping step defines a ceramic support 1A comprising a roughened upper working surface 2C on which at least one recess 3A is formed.

[0048] In particular, shaping involves making a plurality of depressions 3A and / or reliefs 4A, the depressions having a height equal to or less than the average thickness of the ceramic support 1A and the reliefs having a height equal to or greater than the average thickness of the ceramic support 1A.

[0049] In particular, the mold used for forming "A" comprises a structure provided with negative depressions or negative reliefs, which form depressions 3A or reliefs 4A in the opposite direction (in negative) on the ceramic support 1A, and in particular on the upper working surface 2A, so as to obtain a rough upper working surface 2C, such as Figure 3A shown.

[0050] When the tile 1 does not exceed a certain extension (preferably not more than 50-60 mm), it is preferred to use a mould.

[0051] For larger tiles 1, which extend up to 4000 mm on at least one side, the forming "A" can be carried out in a continuous process by means of a compacting belt.

[0052] In particular, the compacting belt or preferably two opposing compacting belts impart a predetermined thickness and a predetermined structure to the ceramic support 1A, leaving or not leaving any impression of depression 3A or relief 4A on the upper working surface 2A of the ceramic support 1A.

[0053] In the output of form "A", the ceramic support 1A contains 15% to 30% water by volume and must go through intermediate steps of losing water and other fluids before firing.

[0054] In particular, the ceramic support undergoes a drying step "B" in which the ceramic support 1A is kept at a not too high temperature of 80°C to 120°C so that the water does not evaporate too quickly, thereby risking deformation of the ceramic support 1A. Drying "B" involves placing the ceramic support 1A in a dryer at a temperature of 80°C to 120°C so that the level of water inside the ceramic support 1A is in the range of 1% to 7% of the total volume.

[0055] Subsequently, the ceramic support 1A has sufficient rigidity to enable a machining process to be performed on the upper working surface 2A, whether in the case of a smooth upper working surface 2B or in the case of a rough upper working surface 2C.

[0056] Subsequently, the ceramic support undergoes machining "C" by material removal, wherein the upper working surface 2A of the ceramic support 1A is machined by means of a grinding tool "U" to form a three-dimensional geometric decoration comprising recesses 3B and protrusions 4b and to obtain a structured upper surface.

[0057] The processing “C” by material removal is carried out immediately after the drying “B.” That is, the processing “C” by material removal takes place directly on the dried ceramic support 1A after the drying “B” without the need for intervening other steps.

[0058] The step of machining "C" by material removal is performed along the entire working surface 2A, including the peripheral and central areas of the working surface 2A.

[0059] The step of material removal machining is performed by the grinding tool operating in direct contact with the working surface 2A, and material is removed from any area of ​​the working surface 2A by rubbing a part of the tool against the working surface 2A. That is, the grinding tool works on any part of the working surface 2A, whether peripheral or central, because the recess 3B can be located anywhere in the working surface 2A.

[0060] In particular, machining “C” by material removal consists in making at least a recess 3B in the upper working surface 2A of the ceramic support 1A, or in other words in removing material from the upper working surface 2A to obtain a structured upper surface 2D.

[0061] In particular, if the starting working surface 2A is a smooth working surface 2B, machining "C" by material removal involves hollowing out these recesses 3B on at least a portion of the upper working surface 2A by means of such a grinding tool "U", and obtaining protrusions 4B on the unmachined portion of the upper working surface 2A.

[0062] In particular, the grinding tool "U" comprises at least one scraper and / or at least one milling cutter. The tool is preferably moved along the upper working surface 2A in an automatic manner, preferably along a serpentine pattern from one end to the other end of the upper working surface 2A, and operates the upper working surface 2A only where the recess 3B needs to be made according to a predetermined model.

[0063] According to an alternative embodiment, the grinding tool may also comprise a tool for performing a grinding or honing operation on the upper working surface 2A.

[0064] If the starting working surface 2A is a rough working surface 2C, the material removal processing step includes increasing the width and / or depth of such at least one depression 3A to highlight at least one recess 3B of the structured upper surface 2D. In addition, the relief 4A can also be slightly corrected to transform into a specific protrusion 4B.

[0065] That is, by means of the grinding tool "U", the structured upper surface 2D has a three-dimensional structured decoration, preferably accurately and faithfully simulating a mineral or natural element.

[0066] Preferably, in order to avoid excessive brittleness of the structure of the ceramic support 1A and therefore of the tile 1 , the height dimension of such reliefs 4A and protuberances 4B is between 0.3 mm and 1.0 mm.

[0067] Even more preferably, the initial thickness of the starting ceramic support 1A to be formed is greater than the thickness required for the ceramic tile, since the material removal step inevitably requires the ceramic support 1A to lose a portion of the material constituting the upper working surface 2A.

[0068] The method for manufacturing a tile 1 may comprise a further step of suction and recovery of the removed material, simultaneously or immediately following the processing "C" by material removal.

[0069] In particular, use is made of a suction and / or material collection device comprising at least one suction opening arranged in the vicinity of the upper working surface 2A of the ceramic support 1A.

[0070] Advantageously, the extraction step maintains the cleanliness of the working environment while allowing partial recovery of spent material which can be recycled and reused to manufacture other ceramic supports.

[0071] In a particular embodiment, the upper working surface 2A of the ceramic support 1A at least partially faces downwards, or in other words, towards the floor, to allow the removed material to fall naturally under the effect of gravity.

[0072] Preferably, the suction opening of the suction and / or material collecting device is arranged in the vicinity of the upper working surface 2A, even more preferably at a height just above it, so that the removed material is sucked while falling.

[0073] Subsequently, a decoration “D” of the ceramic support 1A is carried out, in particular a decoration “D” of the structured upper surface 2D of this ceramic support 1A.

[0074] In particular, the decoration "D" is obtained by an inkjet printing process.

[0075] Preferably, the decoration "D" consists in applying a colour register on the protuberances 3B and / or on the recesses 4B.

[0076] In particular, this step comprises reproducing with a graphic pattern, which consists in applying at least one colour and / or embedding agent and / or surface coating to reproduce and / or cover the upper working surface, and in particular the ridges and valleys, in order to obtain a further perception of three-dimensional depth in the pattern of the tile 1 once it is completed.

[0077] For example, color is used to show veins or rings with better contrast, to simulate wood materials shown on bricks, or to simulate the typical shades and composition of mineral materials.

[0078] An inkjet printer comprises one or more print heads.Inkjet printers can be single-pass printers or multi-pass printers, but single-pass printers are preferred because they allow higher production speeds.

[0079] Preferably, the printer uses a resolution higher than 200 DPI.

[0080] The embedding agent may be provided in the form of an embedding ink, preferably suitable for inkjet printing.The color or embedding ink may include a liquid vehicle or solvent.

[0081] The vehicle or solvent may include water or a water-based substance, and / or an organic substance such as glycol ethers, fatty acid esters, citrate esters or other substances.

[0082] The colour is preferably obtained from natural pigments or dyes.

[0083] Embedding inks may also include natural pigments or dyes.

[0084] Preferably, a substance is used to compensate for the light scattering or reflection phenomena typical of products with a glassy surface, thereby providing an impression of an even deeper structure and / or reducing the glassy, ​​artificial appearance of the upper surface of the final brick 1, so as to improve the similarity with the material imitated by the decoration (such as wood, stone, concrete, etc.).

[0085] The end of the decoration "D" is followed by the firing "E" of the ceramic support 1A, so as to obtain the final tile 1. The firing "E" involves firing the ceramic support 1A in an industrial kiln at a temperature ranging from 950°C to above 1250°C, in order to further remove the liquid and dry the decorative pattern imprinted on the structured upper surface 2D.

[0086] The invention also provides a device 10 for producing ceramic tiles 1, having atomized particles at the input and ceramic tiles 1 at the output, comprising a plurality of successive stations.

[0087] The device 10 comprises at least one forming station 100, which comprises at least one mold and / or at least one compacting belt for forming a ceramic support 1A starting from atomized particles; at least one drying station 200 for the ceramic support 1A, which is configured to bring the water level of the ceramic support 1A to 1% to 7% of the total volume of the ceramic support 1A; at least one station 300 for processing by material removal, comprising a grinding tool, which is configured to form a three-dimensional geometric decoration on the upper working surface 2A of the ceramic support 1A and obtain a structured upper surface 2D; at least one decoration station 500, which is configured to decorate the structured upper surface 2D of the ceramic support 1A by an inkjet printing process; and at least one firing station 600 for the ceramic support 1A to obtain a finished tile 1.

[0088] The apparatus 10 further comprises at least a first conveyor belt 700 configured to transport the ceramic support 1A statically between the various stations.

[0089] The above-mentioned stations form a main working line, preferably comprising a path followed by a first conveyor belt 700 which allows the ceramic supports, at the output of the forming station 100, to have successive access to the remaining stations, preferably one of each type, namely the drying station 200, the station for processing by material removal 300, the decoration station 500 and finally the firing station 600.

[0090] The machining step of material removal may involve a high variability in the machining time of the upper working surface of the ceramic support 1A, since it depends on the type of three-dimensional geometric decoration to be performed and on the overall dimensions of the ceramic support 1A.

[0091] The stations 300 for machining by material removal can therefore have different arrangements within the device 10 .

[0092] According to the first embodiment, Figure 5A As described, the station 300 for machining by material removal is arranged in line along the main working line, between the drying station 200 and the decoration station 500. This first embodiment is preferably used for constructing ceramic supports 1A of moderate dimensions, for example obtained by moulding.

[0093] Alternatively, according to Figure 5B In the second embodiment described, the station for processing by material removal is located at the edge and / or working island of the main working line, arranged at the exit of the drying station 200 and before the entrance of the decoration station 500. The station for processing by material removal 300 is connected to a secondary line parallel to the main working line by at least a second conveyor belt.

[0094] This arrangement is preferred for large ceramic supports, such as those formed from compacted tapes.

[0095] It is conceivable that, when the station 300 for processing by material removal is arranged in parallel, there is a direct connection between the drying station 200 and the decoration station 500 via the aforementioned first conveyor belt, to allow processing with and without material removal to replace the production of bricks.

[0096] The machining by material removal station 300 involves the use of a plurality of grinding tools "U" to form three-dimensional geometric shapes by material removal.

[0097] In particular, according to a first mode, the material removal processing step involves removing material by means of a scraper. The scraper performs the material removal, forming cuts of varying depths.

[0098] Preferably, the operating portion of the scraper is made of industrial diamond material, tungsten carbide or stainless steel.

[0099] According to the second mode, the material removal machining step involves removing material by a milling cutter.

[0100] The milling cutter may be axial, radial or other shapes known in the art.

[0101] Preferably, the milling cutter comprises a head made of industrial diamond material or stainless steel with corundum or tungsten carbide grafts.

[0102] The device 10 for producing tiles 1 may also comprise a suction station 400 for suctioning removed material, the suction station comprising equipment for suctioning and / or collecting the removed material.

[0103] The suction station 400 is arranged at the station 300 for machining by material removal and / or in the immediate vicinity of the station 300 .

[0104] According to a second embodiment, in which the suction station 400 envisages the use of a mouth arranged at a lower height relative to the arrangement of the ceramic support, in the vicinity of the suction station, the first conveyor or the second conveyor preferably comprises a through cavity arranged transversely relative to such first conveyor or second conveyor. The ceramic support is arranged at rest on such first conveyor or second conveyor, with the upper working surface 2A facing this cavity.

[0105] Advantageously, the method and the device allow the possibility of manufacturing tiles characterized by having an upper surface comprising a three-dimensional decoration that very accurately simulates a natural element such as stone or wood, this upper surface being obtained by material removal and therefore without the use of industrial glues.

Claims

1. A method for manufacturing a ceramic tile (1), wherein the method comprises the following steps: - forming (A) a ceramic support (1A) starting from the atomized particles, said ceramic support (1A) having a plate-like extension and a thickness of 3 mm to 30 mm; - drying (B) the ceramic support (1A) until the water level of the ceramic support (1A) reaches 1% to 7% of the total volume of the ceramic support (1A); - performing a material removal process (C) on the upper working surface (2A) of the dried ceramic support (1A) by means of a grinding tool (U), the grinding tool (U) being suitable for intervening by contact in any area of ​​the upper working surface (2A) to produce a three-dimensional geometric decoration comprising recesses (3B) and protrusions (4B) distributed over the entire upper working surface (2A), and obtaining a structured upper surface (2D); the material removal process (C) being performed immediately after drying (B); - decorating (D) the structured upper surface (2D) by an inkjet printing process; - Firing (E) the ceramic support (1A) to obtain the tile (1).

2. Method for manufacturing a tile (1) according to claim 1, wherein the material removal process (C) comprises making the recess (3B) in the upper working surface (2A) of the ceramic support (1A); the recess (3B) is arranged in any part of the upper working surface (2A).

3. Method for manufacturing a tile (1) according to claim 2, wherein the shaping (A) comprises making at least one recess (3A) in the upper working surface (2A) of the ceramic support (1A), and wherein the material removal processing (C) comprises increasing the width and / or depth of the at least one recess (3A) to obtain at least one recess (3B) of the structured upper surface (2D).

4. Method for manufacturing a tile (1) according to claim 3, wherein said forming (A) is performed by a mold configured to manufacture said at least one recess (3A) or by at least one compacting belt configured to manufacture said at least one recess (3A).

5. Method for producing a ceramic tile (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the grinding tool (U) comprises at least one scraper and / or at least one milling cutter.

6. Method for manufacturing a ceramic tile (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, comprising a further step of suction and recovery of the removed material, carried out simultaneously with or immediately following the material removal process (C).

7. Method for manufacturing a ceramic tile (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the upper working surface (2A) of the ceramic support (1A) is at least partially facing downwards to allow the removed material to fall naturally by gravity at least during the material removal process (C).

8. Method for manufacturing a tile (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein said decoration (D) comprises applying a color registration on said recesses (3B) and / or said protrusions (4B).

9. A device (10) for producing ceramic tiles, the device (10) having atomized particles at an input end and ceramic tiles (1) at an output end, the device (10) continuously comprising: - at least one forming station (100) comprising at least one mould and / or at least one compacting belt configured to form a ceramic support (1A) starting from said atomized particles; - at least one drying station (200) of said ceramic support (1A), said drying station (200) being configured to bring the water level of said ceramic support (1A) to 1% to 7% of the total volume of said ceramic support (1A); - at least one station (300) for machining by material removal, said station (300) comprising a grinding tool configured to produce a three-dimensional geometric decoration and obtain a structured upper surface (2D) on the upper working surface (2A) of said ceramic support (1A); - at least one decoration station (500) configured to decorate the structured upper surface (2D) of the ceramic support (1A) by an inkjet printing process; - at least one firing station (600) of said ceramic support (1A); - at least a first conveyor belt (700) configured to transport the ceramic support (1A) statically between the various stations (100, 200, 300, 500, 600).

10. Device (10) for producing ceramic tiles according to claim 9, wherein said abrasive tool comprises at least one scraper.

11. The device (10) for producing ceramic tiles according to claim 10, wherein the operating part of the scraper is made of industrial diamond material, or tungsten carbide or stainless steel.

12. The device (10) for producing ceramic tiles according to any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein the grinding tool comprises at least one milling cutter.

13. Device (10) for producing ceramic tiles according to claim 12, wherein the milling cutter comprises a head made of industrial diamond material or stainless steel with corundum or tungsten carbide grafts.

14. The device (10) for producing ceramic tiles according to any one of claims 9 to 11, further comprising a suction station (400) for suctioning removed material, the suction station (400) comprising a suction device, the suction station (400) being arranged at the station (300) for material removal processing and / or immediately after the station (300).

15. Device (10) for producing ceramic tiles according to any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein at least the station (300) for processing for material removal is configured to keep the upper working surface (2A) of the ceramic support (1A) at least partially facing downwards to allow the removed material to fall naturally by gravity.

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