Method for manufacturing ceramic tiles

Abstract

A method for producing ceramic tiles (24) comprising: - a compacting step (S1) of a ceramic mixture (1) to obtain a first raw semi-finished product (2); - a decoration step (S4) of a surface of said first raw semi-finished product (2); - a cutting step (S5) of said first raw semi-finished product (2) into at least two second raw semi-finished products (18); - a firing step (S6) of said second raw semi-finished products (18) for obtaining said ceramic tiles (24); characterized in that said cutting step (S5) is subsequent to said decoration step (S4).

Description

[0001] Method for manufacturing ceramic tiles

[0002] The present invention relates to a method for producing ceramic tiles. More particularly, the present invention relates to a method for producing medium and small format tiles starting from large-format slabs.

[0003] As is well known, in recent years the production of ceramic wall and floor tiles has evolved towards the manufacture of ever larger products, moving from traditional tiles to current large-format slabs wherein the sides thereof may exceed 3 meters in length.

[0004] Many manufacturers have seen new slab manufacturing technologies as a possible solution to the problem of flexibility in manufacturing facilities.

[0005] In fact, the traditional production of tiles starts from the compaction of powders in discontinuous presses inside closed molds. The specifications of the press determine the types, in particular the formats, of those products that may be formed by said press. The production line downstream of the press is sized as a function of the dimensions of the semi-finished product exiting the press. Each factory must therefore be equipped with a large number of production lines in order to meet the wide demand for market formats. Furthermore, each change in the production of a product on the same line often goes through a change to the mold at the press, resulting in line stoppages for prolonged periods of time. Furthermore, the same product line, i.e., the same graphic, may be available in many different formats which, insofar as they have to be produced on different lines, if not in different factories, may have slight variations in color tone or other differences with consequent complications in the production process.

[0006] Many companies have therefore attempted to replace traditional tile production with a more standardized large-format slab production from which the sub-formats are subsequently cut. Such cutting operation may also be performed on the basis of an order received from a customer in such a way as to also streamline the product warehouse. This production approach may however present some critical issues. Firstly, the production of large slabs may result in the generation of significant stresses within said slab. These tensions complicate the cutting operation insofar as they may lead to sudden and unexpected breakage of the slab resulting in an increase in waste and production costs. Furthermore, the increase in the dimensions of the slabs may lead to an increase in costs, and thus in price, also in other aspects, such as the selection of raw materials. In fact, the handling of large-format slabs, especially natural slabs, requires mixtures that have greater unfired resistance and therefore greater additives or more selected raw materials. Furthermore, the larger dimensions of the slab and the need to limit stresses within the finished product require longer firing times with higher energy costs.

[0007] In order to at least partially overcome this problem, WO 2016 / 193501 proposes to carry out a slab refiring operation at the end of the firing step with a consequent reduction in stresses. Similarly, some companies have longer firing cycles with longer cooling times in order to limit the onset of stresses. In any case, these solutions result in an increase in costs and / or a reduction in the productivity of the production process.

[0008] One object of the present invention is to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks of the prior art, in the context of a simple, streamlined and cost-effective solution. Such objects are achieved by the features of the invention as set out in the independent claim. The dependent claims outline preferred and / or particularly advantageous aspects of the invention.

[0009] A first independent aspect of the invention provides a method for producing ceramic tiles comprising: a step of compacting a ceramic mixture in order to obtain a first raw semifinished product; a step of decorating a surface of said first raw semi-finished product; a step of cutting said first raw semi-finished product into at least two second raw semifinished products; a step of firing said second raw semi-finished products in order to obtain said ceramic tiles. With the feature that said cutting step follows said decoration step. And in particular with the feature that said cutting step is performed between the decoration step and the firing step. The inventor has observed that with such solution it is possible on the one hand to maximize the production efficiency offered by new pressing techniques for the production of large slabs, and on the other hand to at least partially limit complications by virtue of the firing of said large slabs. In particular, such solution may allow for streamlining and greater flexibility in the forming and decoration process thereby limiting format changes, and at the same time proceeding with the firing of formats of limited size thereby reducing energy costs.

[0010] According to a first embodiment, said cutting step may be performed by making an incision in said first semi-finished product starting from a lower surface of said first semifinished product. In this way, the effect of the cut on the decoration, made on the upper surface of the first semi-finished product, may be limited.

[0011] In a second embodiment, the cutting step may take place through two cutting elements, for example blades, superimposed in plan, and adapted to act respectively on opposite surfaces of the first semi-finished product in such a way as to form a single continuous cut along the thickness of the first semi-finished product. Preferably, said cutting elements may act upon the first semi-finished product substantially simultaneously. In practice, a first cutting element is adapted to act upon the lower surface of the first semifinished product, while a second cutting element is adapted to act upon the upper surface of the first semi-finished product. In this case, it is preferable that the first cutting element, acting upon the lower surface, is configured to cut more than half (over 50%) of the thickness of the first semi-finished product, preferably over 70% of the thickness of the semi-finished product. Advantageously, it is preferable that the first cutting element, acting upon the lower surface, is configured to cut less than 100% of the thickness of the first semi-finished product, preferably less than 90% of the thickness of the first semi-finished product. In said second embodiment, it is preferable that the second cutting element, acting upon the upper surface, is configured to cut less than half (less than 50%) of the thickness of the first semi-finished product, preferably 30% or less of the thickness of the semi-finished product. Advantageously, it is preferable that the second cutting element, acting upon the upper surface, is configured to cut more than 1% of the thickness of the first semi-finished product, preferably 20% or more of the thickness of the first semi-finished product. The inventor has observed that in this way the impact upon the decoration of the second cutting element may be limited. Advantageously, in each of said first and second embodiments, the cutting step may comprise or be followed by a beveling step of a lower edge that is created (or formed) during said cutting step.

[0012] In a first possibility, according to any of the first and second embodiments mentioned above, the cutting step may take place by means of cutting on the fly, i.e., during the feed of the first semi-finished product along a forward direction, in such a way as to maximize production. However, in a second and preferred possibility, according to any of the first and second embodiments mentioned above, during the cutting step the first semi-finished product is stationary at a given cutting position. In this way, it is possible to further limit the impact of the cut upon the decoration.

[0013] Furthermore, the cutting step may extend into multiple sub-steps in such a way as to allow longitudinal, and / or transverse, cuts of the first semi-finished product.

[0014] According to any embodiment of the invention, said decoration step may comprise at least one step of applying an enamel to the surface of the first semi-finished product. Advantageously, the method may comprise a first enameling step wherein said enamel is opaque, i.e., non-transparent, and colored. In some embodiments, the decoration step may comprise a second enameling step wherein said enamel is at least partially transparent. Usually, said second enameling step may be performed after said first enameling step, for example said transparent enamel may be the final upper layer of the semi-finished product.

[0015] According to the preferred embodiment, said decoration step comprises a step of printing a decoration, preferably by ink jet digital printing. Advantageously, said printing step may follow the first enameling step such that said opaque enamel provides the printed decoration with a base color. Preferably, said second enameling step follows the printing step, such that said transparent enamel forms a protective layer for the printed decoration.

[0016] According to a first possibility for performing said decoration step, said printing step is configured to print a single decoration that is printed onto the surface of the first semi- finished product. Said single printed decoration being continuous over the entire surface of the first semi-finished product. In this way, insofar as it requires the preparation of only the graphic to be printed onto the first semi-finished product, it is possible to further simplify the decoration step and any preliminary product development steps. The decoration printed onto the second semi-finished product and on the finished product will therefore be a submultiple of the decoration printed onto the first semi-finished product and depends only upon the cutting settings. In a second possibility for performing said decoration step, said printing step is configured to print a plurality of decorations that are printed onto the surface of the first semi-finished product. The printed decorations of said plurality are discontinuous therebetween, i.e., if arranged side by side they do not result in a single continuous decoration. In particular, said plurality of decorations is printed in such a way that, following the cutting step, each second semi-finished piece comprises a respective decoration printed onto the upper surface thereof.

[0017] In this way, multiple decorations may be printed in a single operation thereby allowing for high processing flexibility, especially in combination with digital printing, but it is possible at the same time to allow each second semi-finished product, and consequently each finished product, to comprise a respective printed decoration, arranged specifically for the specific format of said product.

[0018] In some embodiments, the method may comprise further decoration sub-steps, for example for the application of reliefs and / or material effects, such as for example metallic and / or luster effects. Said further decoration sub-steps may for example comprise the application of granules.

[0019] It should be noted that in the preferred embodiment, said cutting step follows any substep of the decoration step. In this way, it is possible to streamline the entire production of the first semi-finished product including the decoration and to subsequently limit those operations to be performed on the second semi-finished products only to firing.

[0020] Advantageously, said first semi-finished product comprises a side having a size of at least 600 mm, preferably at least 900 mm. For example, said first semi-finished portion may be substantially plate-like and may comprise a square or rectangular shape. The semi-finished product preferably comprises a lower transverse side of at least 900 mm, preferably at least 1200 mm, and a greater longitudinal side of at least 900 mm, preferably at least 1200 mm, for example at least 2000 mm. The thickness of said first semi-finished product may preferably be greater than 5 mm.

[0021] According to the preferred embodiment, said step of compacting a ceramic mixture takes place using a continuous or semi-continuous process. Said compacting step preferably takes place within moldless compactors. Said processes and compactors are particularly suitable for the production of large slabs. It should be noted that said compacting step may include the distribution of powders to form a continuous strip and may comprise a cutting step, preferably on the fly, of said strip in order to obtain said first semi-finished product. In this case, the width of the strip may correspond to said transverse side, and the cut is made to define the length of said longitudinal side. Preferably, said cutting of the strip is performed after said powder has been at least partially compacted. During said compacting step, said powders may be wet and said compacting step may be followed by a drying step.

[0022] According to some embodiments, the method may provide for making a relief on the surface of said semi-finished product. Said relief may be made during the compacting step, for example by means of structured plates or belts, or during said decoration step by means of printing techniques. Said printing techniques may be according to three possibilities as listed below.

[0023] According to a first possibility, a structuring agent may be applied to the surface of the first semi-finished product, in such a way as to locally deflect and / or change the features of the enamel, preferably the opaque enamel, in order to create a low relief in said enamel. Advantageously, said structuring agent may be printed according to a design by means of digital printing. The printing of the structuring agent may be performed using the same printer that is dedicated to printing the decoration, or else using another printer.

[0024] A second possibility for making reliefs during said decoration step may provide for the application of a glue according to a design and the subsequent distribution of a grain upon said glue such that the grain adheres to the glue and in such a way as to make a high-relief following the firing of the second semi-finished product. Advantageously, said glue may be printed according to a design by means of digital printing. The printing of the glue may be performed using the same printer that is dedicated to printing the decoration, or else using another printer. In this step, the grain may be distributed over the entire surface of the first semi-finished product, and the removal, for example by suction, of excess grain may be envisaged.

[0025] According to a third possibility, said relief may be made during said first enameling step by depositing the first enamel selectively onto the surface of the first semi-finished product. In particular, said first enamel may be deposited in different quantities in different areas of the surface of the first semi-finished product, in particular of the support thereof. For example, the first enamel may be applied by means of a digital printer, preferably a valve-jet printer.

[0026] It should be noted that, particularly in the traditional production of small-format ceramic tiles, insofar as in traditional discontinuous presses it is possible to print a smaller number of reliefs than the number of decorations available for a given product collection, it may be complicated to obtain a substantial match between the printed decoration and the relief (so-called Embossed in Register or Print in Register). By virtue of the solution proposed herein and by virtue of the reduction in costs associated with firing large-format slabs, medium-format small tiles with matching decoration and relief may be obtained in a streamlined and economical way.

[0027] In some embodiments, said step of storing semi-finished products between said decoration step and said firing step, and in which said cutting step is arranged upstream of said storage step. In other embodiments, said cutting step may be arranged downstream of said storage step, also in such a way as to streamline the storage.

[0028] Preferably, the firing step may take place within a continuous kiln, for example a singlelayer roller kiln. Said firing step may be performed by means of a firing cycle which comprises a step of heating from the inlet of the kiln up to a maximum temperature and a cooling step from the maximum temperature up to the outlet of the kiln. Said firing cycle, between the kiln inlet and the kiln outlet, may take less than 90 minutes, preferably less than 60 minutes, for example less than 50 min. Said maximum temperature may be greater than 900°C, for example greater than 1000°C.

[0029] It should be noted that an independent aspect of the invention relates to a production line for ceramic tiles, for example for performing the method of the first independent aspect. The second independent aspect therefore proposes a production line for ceramic tiles, preferably for conducting the method according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a device for compacting a ceramic mixture, a decoration device, a ceramic tile firing device, said devices being arranged to define a feed path of a semi-finished product from the compacting device to the firing device, characterized in that it comprises a cutting device for semi-finished products arranged between said decoration device and said firing device along said feed path. It should be noted that said production line may comprise devices as described in reference to the first independent aspect, for example, configured to perform the steps of the first independent aspect, and the embodiments thereof.

[0030] In particular, said cutting device may comprise cutting elements as described in relation to the first independent aspect. Said cutting device may further comprise one or more beveling cutters for performing the die-cutting described in the first independent aspect.

[0031] Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following non-limiting examples given by way of example with the aid of the figures shown in the accompanying drawings.

[0032] Figure 1 schematically shows some steps of the method according to the invention in the first embodiment example.

[0033] Figure 2 schematically shows some steps of the method according to the invention in the first embodiment example.

[0034] Figure 1 shows some steps in the method according to a first embodiment of the invention. The method comprises a first step SI of compacting a ceramic mixture 1 to form a first raw semi-finished product 2 in the form of a rectangular slab. The ceramic mixture is formed from a mixture of powders from ceramic raw materials, preferably in the form of atomized granules, and comprises a humidity of between 5 and 10%. In the preferred example, the mixture 1 is adapted to obtain, after firing, porcelain stoneware suitable for producing slabs.

[0035] In the preferred embodiment shown in the figures, in said compacting step SI the ceramic mixture is distributed upon a conveyor belt 4, by means of one or more distributors 6. The mixture 1 is compacted by means of a continuous compacting machine 8 into a continuous compacted strip which is subsequently cut by means of a first cutting device 10 in a direction transverse to the length of the compacted strip (coinciding with the feed direction of the conveyor belt) to obtain the first semi-finished product 2.

[0036] The first semi-finished product 2 is then dried to remove residual moisture during a drying step S2.

[0037] The first semi-finished product 2, after drying, is subjected to a decoration step S4. In the example, the decoration step S4 comprises a first enameling step S4a in which the upper surface of the first semi-finished product 2 is covered with a first enamel layer, for example having a solid color, preferably white by means of an airless sprayer 12. In the example, the decoration step S4 comprises the printing S4b of a decoration 15 onto the first enamel layer by means of an inkjet printer 14.

[0038] As shown in Figure 1, during the printing step S4b a single decoration 15 is printed onto the upper surface of the first semi-finished product 2 in such a way as to entirely cover said upper surface in a substantially continuous manner. In the example, the decoration step S4c further comprises a second enameling step S5 wherein the upper surface of the first semi-finished product 2 is covered with a second layer of enamel, preferably transparent, by means of an airless sprayer 16.

[0039] Subsequent to said decoration step S4 the method provides for a cutting step S5 of the first semi-finished product 2 to obtain a plurality of second semi-finished products 18. In the preferred example, the cutting step is performed by means of one or more cutting elements 20 adapted to cut the first semi-finished product 2 in a direction parallel and / or transverse to the longitudinal dimension of the first semi-finished product. In the preferred example, the cutting devices 20 are configured to cut the first semi-finished product 2 starting from a lower surface of said first semi-finished product.

[0040] The method proceeds with a firing step S6 of the second semi-finished products 18 in a kiln 22 to obtain ceramic tiles 24.

[0041] Figure 2 shows a second embodiment of the invention which differs from the first embodiment shown in Figure 1 in regard to the following features.

[0042] During the cutting step S5, the first semi-finished product 2 is cut only in the direction transverse to the longitudinal direction of said first semi-finished product and of the feed direction of the slab along the production line.

[0043] In said cutting step S5, first cutting elements 20 and second cutting elements 21 are adapted to act respectively on opposing surfaces of the first semi-finished product in such a way as to form continuous cuts along the thickness of the first semi-finished product 2. The first cutting elements are adapted to act upon the lower surface of the first semifinished product, while a second cutting element is adapted to act upon the upper surface of the first semi-finished product. The first cutting element is configured to cut over half (over of the thickness of the first semi-finished product, preferably more than 70% of the thickness of the semi-finished product, for example 80% of the thickness, for example between 4 and 10 mm of thickness. The second cutting elements 21 are configured to cut less than half and less than 30% of the thickness of the first semi-finished product, for example between 2 and 5 mm.

[0044] In said printing step S4 a plurality of decorations 15a, 15b, 15c, 15d, is printed onto a respective portion of the upper surface of the first semi-finished product 2 in such a way that, after the cutting step, each of the decorations of said plurality substantially covers the upper surface of a respective second semi-finished product 18. In the example, the decorations 15a, 15b, 15c, 15d of the plurality are discontinuous therebetween, i.e., when arranged side by side on the surface of the first semi-finished product they do not form a single continuous decoration.

[0045] The present invention is in no way limited to the embodiments described above, but said covering elements and systems may be made according to different variants without thereby departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0046] Further, as may be seen from the description above, it is defined by each of the following articles:

[0047] 1.- A method for producing ceramic tiles (24) comprising:

[0048] - a compacting step (SI) of a ceramic mixture (1) to obtain a first raw semi-finished product (2);

[0049] - a decoration step (S4) of a surface of said first raw semi-finished product (2);

[0050] - a cutting step (S5) of said first raw semi-finished product (2) into at least two second raw semi-finished products (18);

[0051] - a firing step (S6) of said second raw semi-finished products (18) for obtaining said ceramic tiles (24); with the feature that said cutting phase (S5) is subsequent to said decoration phase (S4).

[0052] 2.- The method according to Article 1, wherein said cutting step (S5) is performed between said decoration phase (S4) and said firing step (S6).

[0053] 3.- The method according to Article 1 or 2, wherein said cutting step (S5) is performed by making an incision in said first semi-finished product (2) starting from a lower surface of said first semi-finished product.

[0054] 4.- The method according to any one of the preceding articles, wherein the cutting step (S4) takes place by means of two cutting elements, for example blades, superimposed in plan, and adapted to act respectively upon opposing surfaces of the first semi-finished product in such a way as to form a single continuous cut along the thickness of the first semi-finished product. 5.- The method according to Article 4, wherein said cutting elements act upon the first semi-finished product substantially simultaneously.

[0055] 6.- The method according to Articles 4 or 5, wherein a first cutting element is adapted to act upon the lower surface of the first semi-finished product, while a second cutting element is adapted to act upon the upper surface of the first semi-finished product.

[0056] 7.- The method according to Article 6, wherein:

[0057] - the first cutting element is configured to cut more than half (more than 50%) of the thickness of the first semi-finished product, preferably more than 70% of the thickness of the semi-finished product; and / or

[0058] - the first cutting element is configured to cut less than 100% of the thickness of the first semi-finished product, preferably less than 90% of the thickness of the first semi-finished product; and / or

[0059] - the second cutting element is configured to cut less than half (less than 50%) of the thickness of the first semi-finished product, preferably 30% or less of the thickness of the semi-finished product; and / or

[0060] - the second cutting element is configured to cut more than 1% of the thickness of the first semi-finished product, preferably 20% or more of the thickness of the first semi-finished product.

[0061] 8.- The method according to any one of the preceding articles, wherein the cutting step (S5) comprises, or is followed by a beveling step of a lower edge that is created (or formed) during said cutting step.

[0062] 9.- The method according to any one of the preceding articles, wherein during the cutting step (S5) the first semi-finished product is stationary at a given cutting position.

[0063] 10.- The method according to any one of Articles 1 to 8, wherein the cutting step (S5) may take place by means of on-the-fly cutting, 11.- The method according to any one of the preceding articles, wherein said decoration step (S4) comprises at least one step of applying an enamel (S4a) to the surface of the first semi-finished product (2) and / or a step of printing (S4b) a decoration.

[0064] 12.- The method according to Article 11, wherein said decoration step (S4) is a plurality of steps of applying an enamel and / or of steps of printing a decoration.

[0065] 13.- The method according to Articles 11 or 12, wherein said cutting step (S5) is subsequent to any step of applying the enamel and / or printing.

[0066] 14.- The method according to any one of Articles 11 to 13, wherein said printing step (S4b) comprises an inkjet printing step.

[0067] 15.- The method according to any one of Articles 11 to 14, wherein said printing step (S4b) is configured to print a single decoration that is printed onto the surface of the first semi-finished product, said single printed decoration preferably being continuous over the entire surface of the first semi-finished product.

[0068] 16.- The method according to any one of Articles 11 to 14, wherein said printing step (S4b) is configured to print a plurality of decorations that are printed onto the surface of the first semi-finished product, preferably wherein the printed decorations of said plurality are discontinuous therebetween, or if arranged side by side with each other do not result in a single continuous decoration.

[0069] 17.- The method according to Article 16, wherein said plurality of decorations is printed onto the upper surface of the first semi-finished product in such a way that, following the cutting step, each second semi-finished product (18) comprises a respective decoration printed onto the upper surface thereof.

[0070] 18.- The method according to any one of the preceding articles, wherein said cutting step (S5) is subsequent to any step of decorating the upper surface of the first semifinished product. 19.- The method according to any one of the preceding articles, wherein said first semifinished product (2) comprises a side having a size of at least 600 mm, preferably at least 900 mm.

[0071] 20.- The method according to any one of the preceding articles, wherein said compacting step (SI) of the ceramic mixture takes place using a continuous or semi-continuous process.

[0072] 21.- The method according to any one of the preceding articles, wherein said cutting step (S5) takes place immediately upstream of said firing step (S6).

[0073] 22.- The method according to any one of the preceding articles, comprising a storage step for semi-finished products (2, 18) between said decoration step and said firing step, and wherein said cutting step is arranged upstream of said storage step.

[0074] 23.- A production line for ceramic tiles, preferably for performing the method according to any one of the preceding articles, comprising a device for compacting (8) a ceramic mixture (1), a decoration device (12, 14, 16), a ceramic tile firing device (22), said devices being arranged to define a feed path of a semi-finished product from the compacting device to the firing device, having the feature of comprising a cutting device (20) for semi-finished products arranged between said decoration device (12, 14, 16) and said firing device (22) along said feed path.

Claims

Claims1.- A method for producing ceramic tiles (24) comprising:- a compacting step (SI) of a ceramic mixture (1) to obtain a first raw semi-finished product (2);- a decoration step (S4) of a surface of said first raw semi-finished product (2);- a cutting step (S5) of said first raw semi-finished product (2) into at least two second raw semi-finished products (18);- a firing step (S6) of said second raw semi-finished products (18) for obtaining said ceramic tiles (24); characterized in that said cutting step (S5) is subsequent to said decoration step (S4).2.- The method according to claim 1, characterized in that said cutting step (S5) is performed between said decoration step (S4) and said firing step (S6).3.- The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that said cutting step (S5) takes place by making an incision in said first semi-finished product (2) starting from a lower surface of said first semi-finished product.4.- The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cutting step (S4) takes place by means of two cutting elements, for example blades, superimposed in plan, and adapted to act respectively upon opposing surfaces of the first semi-finished product in such a way as to form a single continuous cut along the thickness of the first semi-finished product.5.- The method according to claim 4, characterized in that a first cutting element is adapted to act upon the lower surface of the first semi-finished product, while a second cutting element is adapted to act upon the upper surface of the first semi-finished product.6.- The method according to claim 5, characterized in that:- the first cutting element is configured to cut more than half (more than 50%) of the thickness of the first semi-finished product, preferably more than 70% of the thickness of the semi-finished product; and / or- the first cutting element is configured to cut less than 100% of the thickness of the first semi-finished product, preferably less than 90% of the thickness of the first semi-finished product; and / or- the second cutting element is configured to cut less than half (less than 50%) of the thickness of the first semi-finished product, preferably 30% or less of the thickness of the semi-finished product; and / or- the second cutting element is configured to cut more than 1% of the thickness of the first semi-finished product, preferably 20% or more of the thickness of the first semi-finished product.7.- The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that during the cutting step (S5) the first semi-finished product is stationary at a certain cutting position.8.- The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the cutting step (S5) may take place by means of on-the-fly cutting means,9.- The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said decoration step (S4) comprises at least one step of applying an enamel (S4a) to the surface of the first semi-finished product (2) and / or a step of printing (S4b) a decoration.10.- The method according to claim 9, characterized in that said decoration step (S4) is a plurality of steps of applying an enamel and / or of steps of printing a decoration.11.- The method according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that said cutting step (S5) is subsequent to any step of applying the enamel and / or printing.12.- The method according to any one of claims 9 to 11 , characterized in that said printing step (S4b) is configured to print a single decoration that is printed onto the surface of thefirst semi-finished product, said single printed decoration preferably being continuous over the entire surface of the first semi-finished product.13.- The method according to any one of claims 9 to 12, characterized in that said printing step (S4b) is configured to print a plurality of decorations that are printed onto the surface of the first semi-finished product, preferably wherein the printed decorations of said plurality are discontinuous therebetween.14.- The method according to claim 13, characterized in that said plurality of decorations in such a way that, following the cutting step, each second semi-finished product (18) comprises a respective decoration printed onto the upper surface thereof.15.- The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said cutting step (S5) is subsequent to any step of decorating the upper surface of the first semi-finished product.16.- The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said first semi-finished product (2) comprises a side having a size of at least 600 mm, preferably at least 900 mm.17.- The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said compacting step (SI) of the ceramic mixture takes place using a continuous or semi- continuous process.18.- The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said cutting step (S5) takes place immediately upstream of said firing step (S6).19.- The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a storage step of semi-finished products (2, 18) between said decoration step and said firing step, and wherein said cutting step is arranged upstream of said storage step.20.- A production line for ceramic tiles, preferably for performing the method according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a device (8) for compacting a ceramic mixture (1), a decoration device (12, 14, 16), a ceramic tile firing device (22), said devices being arranged to define a feed path of a semi-finished product from the compacting device to the firing device, having the feature of comprising a cutting device(20) for semi-finished products arranged between said decoration device (12, 14, 16) and said firing device (22) along said feed path.

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