System and method for manufacturing ceramic articles

Abstract

A manufacturing method and a manufacturing system (1) for manufacturing ceramic articles (MC) having a three-dimensional and multi-coloured decoration, the system (1) comprising: - a forming apparatus (3) for pressure casting a ceramic article (MC) with a multi-coloured decoration by feeding in the casting cavity (6) of a mould (4) at least two ceramic mixes of different colours; - a handling device (21) for taking the demoulded and dried ceramic article (MC) from the forming apparatus (3) and moving it to a decoration station (20); - a decoration machine (9) provided with a support for the ceramic article (MC); a supporting and handling structure (24), movable in space and carrying an abrasive tool (90); a detection unit (27) for detecting the space orientation of the ceramic article (MC); and a control unit configured to operate the supporting and handling structure (24) and the abrasive tool (90) so as to create a three-dimensional decoration on the outer surface (2) of the ceramic article (MC).

Description

[0001] SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING CERAMIC ARTICLES

[0002] Cross-Reference to Related Applications

[0003] This Patent Application claims priority from Italian Patent Application No . 102024000020998 filed on September 20 , 2024 , the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference .

[0004] Technical Field

[0005] The present invention relates to a system and to a method for manufacturing ceramic articles by means of pressure casting ; in particular , for manufacturing multicoloured ceramic articles having on their outer surfaces a three-dimensional and multi-coloured decoration .

[0006] More in particular, the present invention is advantageously but not exclusively applied to pressure casting for manufacturing sanitary fixtures made of multicoloured ceramic material ( such as washbasins , tanks , bidets , bowls , etc . ) having on their peripheral surface a three-dimensional and multi-coloured decoration; more in detail , having a full-thickness decoration with veining and / or patterns with colour contrast throughout the thickness .

[0007] Background of the Invention

[0008] The manufacturing of ceramic articles such as sanitary fixtures ( such as washbasins , tanks , bidets , bowls , etc . ) generally occurs by means of pressure casting of a mix consisting of a water suspension o f ceramic material , known as slip, inside hygroscopic and / or permeable moulds , generally made of porous resin or plaster, so as to permit the dehydration of the slip during the pressure casting, i . e . the escape of the water contained in the sl ip through the pores of the mould .

[0009] Typically, the moulds for manufacturing ceramic sanitary fixtures are made up of two or more mould parts , depending on the complexity of the ceramic article to be manufactured, which are configured to couple to one another in a closed configuration so as to define , between them, at least one casting cavity, inside which, in use , the slip is introduced at high pressure so that , following the above- mentioned dehydration, it penetrates the walls of the parts of the mould and escapes from the mould through them, causing the deposit of the solid part of the slip inside the walls of the mould parts and, therefore , the formation of the walls of the ceramic article .

[0010] In recent years , the need has been increasingly felt to manufacture ceramic articles with particular high aesthetic value bearing complex multi-coloured decorations possibly with three-dimensional ef fects ; for example , ceramic articles with veining with colour contrast throughout the thickness and having, at least on the visible surfaces , three-dimensional decorations / patterns .

[0011] The ceramic articles with three-dimensional decorations on the visible surfaces are currently manufactured by creating specially provided moulds , suitably configured and structured to originate , following the formation by pressure casting described above , ceramic articles bearing patterns at least partially raised on the outer surfaces .

[0012] Such methodology, although being ef fective , has limitations . In fact , it requires the manufacturing of specially provided moulds , bearing the desired structure , for every type of decoration to be created and involves the replacement of the entire mould, or at least of part thereof , as the decoration intended to be created varies . Furthermore , such methods allow, at most , creating three-dimensional ef fects on the ceramic articles but do not permit creating veining and / or striation ef fects , like those of natural stones , throughout the thickness of the articles .

[0013] In order to try reproducing such ef fects , it is currently necessary to perform decoration operations that are performed after the article has been formed by casting, dried and enamelled with white matting enamel and possibly (based on the type of decoration ) , also fired . Such decorations are performed by means of decalcomania or digital printers or by hand based on the decoration quality that is intended to be obtained .

[0014] It is understood that in this manner the manufacturing process is lengthened with a consequent increase in production costs and time which risk becoming incompatible with the modern production lines of ceramic articles . Furthermore , such decoration methods do not anyway allow creating patterns and veining throughout the thickness of the ceramic article .

[0015] The obj ect of the present invention is to provide a manufacturing method and a manufacturing system for manufacturing ceramic articles by means of pressure casting, which allow overcoming at least in part the disadvantages of the prior art , allowing manufacturing ceramic articles ( in particular, sanitary articles made of ceramic material ) bearing complex three-dimensional and multi-coloured decorations , in a simpler and more cost-ef fective manner .

[0016] Summary

[0017] In accordance with the present invention, a manufacturing method and a manufacturing system for manufacturing ceramic articles by means of pressure casting are proposed, according to what is claimed in the appended independent claims , and preferably, in any one of the claims directly or indirectly dependent on the mentioned independent claims .

[0018] The claims describe preferred embodiments of the present invention, forming integral part of the present description .

[0019] Brief Description of the Drawings

[0020] The invention i s described in the following with reference to the accompanying drawings , which illustrate some non-limiting example embodiments thereof , wherein :

[0021] - Figure 1 is a schematic view of part of a system for manufacturing ceramic articles , in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention, which schematically illustrates a forming apparatus of ceramic articles , a filling system for feeding two di f ferent types of slip to the forming apparatus , and a pushing system for pressuri zing the slip ;

[0022] - Figure 2 is a schematic view of part of a system for manufacturing ceramic articles which schematically illustrates the same parts of the manufacturing system of Figure 1 but in accordance with a di f ferent embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] - Figure 3 is a perspective view of a forming apparatus of the manufacturing system of Figures 1 and 2 ;

[0024] - Figure 4 is a schematic view of a further part of a system for manufacturing ceramic articles , which schematically illustrates a forming apparatus in an open configuration, a decoration machine , and a handling device ; - Figure 5 illustrates a side view of the decoration machine of ceramic articles of Figure 4 while it decorates a surface of a ceramic article manufactured by means of the manufacturing system of Figures 1 or 2 ;

[0025] Figure 6 is a perspective view of a multi- layer ceramic article provided with a multi-coloured three- dimensional decoration manufactured by means of the manufacturing system of the present invention;

[0026] - Figure 7 illustrates a section view of the ceramic article of Figure 6 during the decoration step performed by means of the decoration machine of Figure 5 ; and

[0027] - Figure 7A is an enlarged view of the detail W of Figure 7 ; and

[0028] Figure 8 is a perspective view of a multi- layer ceramic article provided with a multi-coloured three- dimensional decoration manufactured by means of the manufacturing system of Figures 1 or 2 and 4 .

[0029] Detailed Description

[0030] In the accompanying figures , reference numeral 1 indicates , as a whole , a manufacturing system for manufacturing ceramic articles MC by means of pressure casting; in particular, sanitary fixtures made of ceramic material ( such as washbasins , tanks , bidets , bowls , etc . ) , having a three-dimensional and multi-coloured decoration on at least part of a peripheral surface 2 ( see , for example , Figures 6 and 8 ) . More in particular, each ceramic article MC manufactured with the manufacturing system 1 of the present invention comprises a multi faceted peripheral surface 2 intended, in use , to be visible , which has , on at least one part thereof , a three-dimensional and multicoloured decoration and which, advantageously but not limitedly, comprises a plurality of di f ferent portions extending on di f ferent planes and at least some of which are concave or convex .

[0031] Even more advantageously, the present invention refers to the manufacturing of multi-coloured ceramic articles MC, namely having a main body consisting of at least two ceramic mixes with a di f ferent colour and having on at least part of the peripheral surface 2 a three-dimensional and multicoloured decoration ( in particular, at least two-coloured) .

[0032] In the present invention, the expression "three- dimensional and multi-coloured decoration" refers to a decoration created with two or more di f ferent colours and comprising at least one low raised section relative to the plane of the peripheral surface 2 of the ceramic article MC on which the decoration is created ( see , for example , Figures 5 , 6 and 8 ) . Even more advantageously but not limitedly, each ceramic article MC manufactured with the manufacturing system 1 of the present invention is a ceramic article MC ( in particular, at least two-coloured) provided with, on at least part of the peripheral surface 2 , a pattern with veining with colour contrast and a pattern, at least partially raised extending along ( in a manner coordinated with) such pattern for defining the above-mentioned three- dimensional and multi-coloured decoration .

[0033] It is further speci fied that within the scope of the present description, the term " second" component / element does not imply the presence of a " first" component / element . Such terms , in fact , are used as labels for improving clarity and are not to be understood in a limiting manner .

[0034] Advantageously, the manufacturing system 1 comprises : a forming apparatus 3 for pressure casting ( known per se and not described in detail herein) which comprises at least one mould 4 having, in turn, a first head 5A and at least one second head 5B complementary to each other and movable, relative to each other, between an open configuration, in which the heads 5A, 5B are distant from each other, and a second closed or casting configuration, in which the heads 5A, 5B are in contact and define, between them, a casting cavity 6 for the formation of a ceramic article MC; and a feeding system 7 configured to feed, in a controlled and independent manner, a first mix, comprising (in particular, consisting of) a water suspension of ceramic material with a first colour, i.e. having a percentage of at least about 0.1% (in particular up to about 0.15%) of the total in weight of dyes or coloured pigments with a first colour, and at least a second mix comprising (in particular, consisting of) a water suspension of ceramic material with a second colour, i.e. a percentage of at least about 0.1% (in particular up to about 0.15%) of the total in weight of dyes or coloured pigments with a second colour, which is different from the first colour, at a pressure ranging from about 0.5 bar to about 6 bar inside the casting cavity 6. More advantageously but not limitedly, the feeding system 7 is configured to feed such first and second mixes into the casting cavity 6 in a direct manner (i.e. without passing in other intermediate components) .

[0035] According to some advantageous but non-limiting embodiments (such as the one illustrated in Figures 4 and 5) , the mould 4 of the forming apparatus 3 comprises three heads 5A, 5B and 5C. As the shape of the ceramic article MC to be manufactured varies, the number of heads 5A, 5B and 5C can change . Advantageously but not limitedly, the forming apparatus 3 comprises an actuator system (not visible in the accompanying figures) , for example comprising a jack, adapted to move at least one of the heads 5A, 5B and 5C relative to the other ones for shifting from the open configuration (see, for example, Figures 4 and 5) to the closed or casting configuration (see, for example, Figure 3) , and vice versa. Alternatively, the actuator system comprises several actuators (in particular in a number that is the same as the number of heads 5A, 5B) , each configured to move a respective head 5A, 5B, 5C up to bringing them in contact with one another in the closed or casting configuration (see, for example, Figure 3) and move them away from one another in the open configuration (see, for example, Figures 4 and 5) .

[0036] According to some advantageous but non-limiting embodiments, the feeding system 7 is configured to feed a plurality of different ceramic mixes, for example three different ceramic mixes, as is illustrated in Figure 2, at a pressure ranging from about 0.5 bar to about 6 bar, into the casting cavity 6; more advantageously but not limitedly, such feeding of the different mixes into the casting cavity 6 occurs in a direct manner (i.e. without passing in other intermediate components) .

[0037] Preferably, each one of such ceramic mixes comprises (in particular, consists of) a ceramic material fit for casting ceramic articles MC such as washbasins, bidets or toilets in particular as a cast piece, for example a Vitreous China sanitary mix or a so-called Fine Fireclay sanitary mix. Advantageously but not limitedly, such mix comprises (in particular, consists of) about 50% a 55% by weight of a plastic and semi-plastic component , which, in turn, comprises ( in particular, consists of ) clays and kaolins , and about 45-50% of a further non-plastic ( or hard) component which, in turn, comprises ( in particular , consists of ) feldspathic minerals , quartzous minerals and chamotte .

[0038] In detail , according to some advantageous but nonlimiting embodiments , each one of the mixes has a viscosity ranging from 50 to 700 cps . More advantageously but not limitedly, the mixes fed by the feeding system 7 all substantially have the same viscosity . Alternatively, advantageously but not limitedly, the various mixes di f fer from one another , besides for the colour also for the viscosity .

[0039] Advantageously, the manufacturing system 1 further comprises : a pushing system 8 configured to set , inside the casting cavity 6 , a casting pressure of at least about 5 bar ( in particular, ranging from about 10 bar to about 20 bar ) so as to pressuri ze the mixes already fed in the casting cavity 6 and induce the dehydration of the mix on the walls of the mould 4 so as to form a multi-coloured ceramic article MC ( in particular, two-coloured) ; and a decoration machine 9 comprising at least one abrasive tool 90 configured to intercept at least part of a peripheral surface 2 of the ceramic article MC and remove at least one layer of such peripheral surface 2 .

[0040] The manufacturing system 1 further comprises a control assembly CU, only schematically il lustrated in Figures 1 , 2 and 5 , configured to control the operation of the forming apparatus 3 , of the feeding system 7 and of the pushing system 8 so as to ensure that the mixes fed by the feeding system 7 in the casting cavity 6 are mixed together for forming, once the casting pressure has been set , the above- mentioned multi-coloured ceramic article MC ( in particular, two-coloured at least in the case where the fed mixes are only two ) provided on the peripheral surface 2 of a multicoloured pattern, advantageously having veining with colour contrast . The control assembly CU is further configured to control the operation of the decoration machine 9 , as a function of the multi-coloured pattern, so as to create the above-mentioned three-dimensional and multi-coloured decoration on the peripheral surface 2 .

[0041] According to some advantageous but non-limiting embodiments , the feeding system 7 comprises : a plurality of tanks 10a, 10b, 10c ( in particular at least two tanks 10a, 10b, as is illustrated in Figure 1 ) for containing the first mix and at least the second mix, respectively, and, in the embodiment illustrated in Figure 2 , also a third mix ; a plurality of feeding ducts I la, 11b, 11c ( in particular, at least two feeding ducts I la, 11b ) for connecting ( in particular, in a direct manner - i . e . without the interposition of other components ) the respective tank 10a, 10b, 10c to the mould 4 ; a pressuri zation assembly 12 configured to control the pressure with which each mix flows from the respective tank 10a, 10b, 10c to the respective feeding duct I la , 11b, 11c independently of the remaining mixes ; a plural ity of electronically controlled valve assemblies 13a, 13b, 13c ( in particular, at least two electronically controlled valve assemblies 13a, 13b ) , one for each feeding duct I la, 11b, 11 c and each one operatable , independently of the other ones , from a closed position, in which it prevents the fluid connection between the respective tank 10a, 10b 10c and the casting cavity 6 , and at least one open position, in which it permits the fluid connection between the respective tank 10a, 10b, 10c and the casting cavity 6 , and vice versa .

[0042] More in particular, in the advantageous but nonexclusive embodiments illustrated in the accompanying figures , the valve assemblies 13a, 13b, 13c are each arranged along a respective feeding duct I la, 11b, 11c and are operatable to permit or prevent the fluid connection between the respective feeding duct I la, 11b, 11c and the casting cavity 6 . It i s understood that , according to other embodiments not i llustrated, the valve assemblies 13a, 13b, 13c could be interposed between the respective tank 10a, 10b, 10c and the respective feeding duct I la, 11b, 11c, namely immediately downstream of the tank I la, 11b, 11c operatable to permit or prevent the outflow of the respective mix towards the feeding duct I la, 11b, 11c .

[0043] Advantageously but not limitedly, the control assembly CU is configured to control the pressuri zation assembly 12 and the valve assemblies 13a, 13b, 13c for varying the quantity and the pressure with which each mix is fed to the casting cavity 6 , as a function of the three-dimensional and multi-coloured decoration to be obtained .

[0044] Advantageously but not limitedly, the feeding system 7 is connected directly ( i . e . without the interposition of other components or apparatuses ) to the mould 4 so as to be able to feed directly and in an independent and controlled manner the various mixes into the casting cavity 6 . More advantageously but not limitedly, each feeding duct I la, 11b, 11c of the feeding system 7 is connected directly to the mould 4 ; more in particular, each feeding duct I la, 11b, 11c extends between the respective tank 10a, 10b, 10c and the mould 4 without the interposition of other elements or components excepting the above-mentioned valve assemblies 13a, 13b, 13c or possible other valves that can be provided along the feeding ducts I la, 11b, 11c for allowing the precise control of the feeding of the various mixes to the mould 4 .

[0045] It is understood that , according to other advantageous but non-limiting and not illustrated embodiments , the forming apparatus 3 could comprise any number of moulds 4 , connected to one another or independent of one another . In this case , the feeding system 7 is configured to feed each mould 4 in a manner independent of the other ones and comprises a number of feeding ducts I la, 11b, 11c and a number of valve assemblies 13a, 13b, 13c that is the same as the number of mixes intended to be fed to each mould 4 . Also in this case , the feeding system 7 is configured ( as better set forth above ) to feed directly the various mixes to each mould 4 ( i . e . without intermediate passages of the various mixes in other components or apparatuses ) .

[0046] The feeding system 7 made in this manner allows varying with extreme flexibility the flow rate and / or the feeding pressure of each mix only by varying ( in particular, adj usting) the opening degree of each valve assembly 13a, 13b, 13c .

[0047] According to some advantageous but non-limiting embodiments , the control assembly CU is configured to control the feeding system 7 ( in particular , each valve assembly 13a, 13b, 13c ) so as to feed into the casting cavity 6 a first quantity of the first mix with a first filling pressure , a second quantity, less than the first quantity, at least of the second mix ( or, when the feeding system 7 feeds several mixes , of each mix ) with a second filling pressure , that i s the same as or di f ferent from the first filling pressure , so as to form a ceramic article MC having a background colour and a pattern coloured with the second colour ( or, when more than two mixes are fed, a coloured pattern for each one of the above-mentioned colours ) which goes through the background colour, defining the above- mentioned multi-coloured pattern; in particular, defining veining with colour contrast ( see the ceramic articles MC illustrated in Figures 6 and 8 ) .

[0048] Alternatively, advantageously but not limitedly, the control assembly CU is configured to control the feeding system 7 ( in particular, each valve assembly 13a, 13b, 13c ) so as to feed into the casting cavity 6 substantially similar quantities of each mix , thereby obtaining a two-coloured or multi-coloured ceramic article MC in which the various colours are substantially present in the same quantities .

[0049] According to some advantageous but non-limiting embodiments , such as for example the one illustrated in Figure 2 , the tanks 10a, 10b, 10c are sealed tanks and the pressuri zation assembly 12 comprises : an inlet 14 of a fluid comprising ( in particular, consisting of ) air at a pressure ranging from about 0 . 5 to about 6 bar ; a connection duct 15 configured to connect the inlet 14 to each one of the tanks 10a, 10b, 10c for pressuri zing such tanks 10a, 10b, 10c and has a number of outlet branches 16a, 16b , 16c that is the same as the number of tanks 10a, 10b , 10c ; a plurality of pressure adj usters 17a, 17b, 17c, as many as the number of tanks 10a, 10b, 10c , each one located along a respective outlet branch 16a, 16b, 16c of the connection duct 15 and configured to adj ust the pressure of the fluid so as to independently adj ust the pressure inside each tank 10a, 10b, 10c ; and a plurality of electronically controlled valves 19a, 19b, 19c, as many as the number of tanks 10a, 10b, each one located along a respective outlet branch 16a, 16b, 16c, advantageously but not limitedly upstream of the pressure adj uster 17a, 17b, 17c along the outlet branch 16a, 16b, 16c, and configured to selectively open or close the fluid connection between the connection duct 15 and the respective tank 10a, 10b, 10c .

[0050] In this case , advantageously but not limitedly, the control assembly CU is configured to independently control the operation of each pressure adj uster 17a, 17b, 17c and of each valve 19a, 19b, 19c as a function of the three- dimensional and multi-coloured decoration to be obtained . In this manner, by suitably adj usting the pressure adj uster 17a, 17b, 17c, it will be possible to vary the pressure with which the various mixes are fed to the casting cavity 6 .

[0051] Such particular configuration of the pressurization assembly 12 permits controlling with extreme precision the pressure with which each mix is fed exploiting the industrial air, without having to provide for pushing pumps , and thus reducing the costs of the manufacturing system 1 , the performance being equal .

[0052] Alternatively or additionally, according to other advantageous but non-limiting embodiments , such as for example the one i llustrated in Figure 1 , the pressuri zation assembly 12 comprises a number of pumps 18a, 18b that is the same as the number of tanks 10a, 10b, each arranged along the feeding duct I la, 11b which connects each tank 10a, 10b to the mould 3 and each one operatable in a manner independent of the other ones for varying the flow rate and / or the pressure with which each mix is fed to the mould 4 , as the type of multi-coloured and three-dimensional decoration to be created varies .

[0053] Advantageously but not limitedly, the control assembly CU comprises ( in particular, contains ) a memory, more advantageously rewritable , which, in turn, contains a list of possible multi-coloured decorations and actuation instructions for each multi-coloured decoration to be obtained, which contain the operating parameters of the feeding system 7 , of the pushing system 8 and of the decoration machine 9 .

[0054] According to some advantageous but non-limiting embodiments , the control assembly CU is configured to simultaneously control the feeding system 7 so as to feed in one single casting cycle the various mixes to the casting cavity 6 . It is understood that during such single casting cycle , the control assembly CU can command the various valve assemblies 13a, 13b, 13c for operating them alternately and / or for di f ferent times and / or with di f ferent feeding pressures as the type of three-dimensional and multicoloured decoration to be created varies .

[0055] According to other advantageous but non-limiting embodiments , the control assembly CU is configured to command, at given time intervals , the operation of the forming apparatus 3 , of the feeding system 7 and of the pushing system 8 so as to form the ceramic article MC in several successive casting cycles ( in particular, in successive casting sub-steps ) , obtaining a multi-layer ceramic article MC .

[0056] In detail , in this case , advantageously but not limitedly, the control assembly CU is configured to command the operation of the valve assemblies 13a, 13b, 13c at every given time interval so that, for every casting cycle (in particular, for every casting sub-step) , at least one valve assembly 13a, 13b, 13c is in an open position and at least one other valve assembly 13a, 13b, 13c is in a closed position so as to alternately feed different mixes to the casting cavity 6 so as to obtain layers SI, S2, S3 with a different aspect at every casting cycle. In detail, when the feeding system 7 is configured to feed only two mixes, as is shown in Figure 1, the control assembly CU commands the two valve assemblies 13a, 13b so as to operate them towards the open configuration at alternate time intervals, so that at every cycle a certain type of mix is fed. It is understood that as the types of decoration that one wants to obtain varies, it is also possible to simultaneously operate the valve assemblies 13a, 13b in an open position so as to simultaneously feed but with different parameters (for example feeding pressure or feeding time and thus different quantities) of the various mixes so as to form the various layers SI, S2, S3.

[0057] In particular, in the advantageous but non-limiting embodiment illustrated in Figures 4, 5, 6, 7 and 7A, the ceramic article MC comprises three different layers SI, S2 and S3. In this case, advantageously but not limitedly, the control assembly CU is configured to command the various valve assemblies 13a, 13b, 13c, so that: in a first casting sub-step only the valve assembly 13a assumes the open position so as to feed under pressure the first mix and create the first layer SI of the ceramic article MC; once a certain time interval has passed (in particular, once the first layer SI has been formed) , in a second casting sub- step, the control assembly CU commands the shi fting of the valve assembly 13a from the open position to the closed position and commands the shi fting of the valve assembly 13b from the closed position to the open position so as to feed only the second mix to the casting cavity 6 and create the second layer S2 of the multi- layer ceramic article MC arranged around the first layer S I ; and, once the second S2 has been formed, in a third casting sub-step, the control assembly CU commands the shi fting of the valve assembly 13b from the open position to the closed position and commands the shi fting of the valve assembly 13c from the closed position to the open position, so as to create a third layer S3 of the multi-layer ceramic article MC around ( in particular, in contact with) the second layer S2 .

[0058] More advantageously but not limitedly, in this case ( i . e . when the forming apparatus 3 , the feeding system 7 and the pushing system 8 are operated for forming a multi-layer ceramic article MC ) , the control assembly CU comprises at least one memory for storing setting data , comprising at least the thickness of the di f ferent layers S I , S2 , S3 of the multi-layer ceramic article MC and is configured to command the decoration machine 9 for controlling the operation of the abrasive tool 90 so that , in use , the abrasive tool 90 , by intercepting the peripheral surface 2 , removes a portion of the multi-layer ceramic article MC having a given extension which is a function of the three- dimensional decoration to be created and of the setting data .

[0059] This advantageously permits creating in an automatic manner complex decorations , for example consisting of low raised zones having di f ferent colours ( see Figures 6 , 7 , 7A) . According to some advantageous but non-limiting embodiments , such as for example the ones illustrated in Figures 4 and 5 , the manufacturing system 1 comprises at least one handling device 21 , configured to extract the ceramic articles MC from the forming apparatus 3 (where this is formed) and move it for releasing it at a storage area , which will be better described in the following, and possibly from this storage area up to a decoration station 20 , where the decoration machine 9 is arranged .

[0060] Advantageously but not limitedly, the handling device 21 comprises a gripping device 22 configured to extract the ceramic article MC from the mould 4 , in an open configuration . Even more in particular, advantageously but not limitedly, such gripping device 22 comprises ( in particular, cons ists of ) an anthropomorphic robot which carries a gripping tool (not visible ) configured to grab the ceramic article MC, for example provided with a plurality of suction cups .

[0061] It is understood that according to other non-limiting embodiments not i llustrated, instead of the anthropomorphic robot there could be provided a cartesian robot which carries a gripping tool and is configured to move the ceramic article MC from the forming apparatus 3 to the decoration machine 9 or a conveyor .

[0062] Advantageously, the system 1 for manufacturing ceramic articles MC further comprises at least one storage area, not visible in the accompanying figures , where the ceramic articles MC, once they have been formed, are transported for drying . In particular, according to some advantageous but non-limiting embodiments , such storage area is interposed between the forming apparatus 3 and the decoration machine 9 and the handling device 21 , described above , provides for at least one gripping device which is movable between the forming apparatus 3 , the decoration machine 9 and the storage area for trans ferring the already formed ceramic articles MC from the forming apparatus 3 to the storage area where they stay for a time equal to about 12-48 hours so as to obtain dried ceramic articles MC which are then transported from such storage area to the decoration station 20 .

[0063] With particular reference to Figures 4 and 5 , advantageously but not limitedly, the decoration machine 9 comprises : a support 23 arranged at the decoration station 20 for receiving the ceramic article MC ; a supporting and handling structure 24 which carries the abrasive tool 90 and is operatable to move it in the space ; and a control unit (not visible in the accompanying figures ) configured to operate the supporting and handling structure 24 and the abrasive tool 90 so as to create at least one three- dimensional decoration on the peripheral surface 2 of the ceramic article MC .

[0064] Advantageously but not limitedly, the control assembly CU is connected to the control unit of the decoration machine 9 for controlling the operation of the supporting structure 24 and of the abrasive tool 90 as a function of the three- dimensional and multi-coloured decoration to be created . More advantageous ly but not limitedly, the control assembly CU of the manufacturing system 1 comprises ( in particular, coincides with) the control unit of the decoration machine 9 .

[0065] With particular reference to Figures 4 and 5 , advantageously but not limitedly, the supporting and handling structure 24 comprises ( in particular, is made up of ) an anthropomorphic robot of the collaborative type ; and the abrasive tool 90 is rotatably coupled to the anthropomorphic robot so as to be able to move in the space ; advantageously but not limitedly, by means of a ball j oint 25 which permits the complete rotation of the abrasive tool 90 . Advantageously but not limitedly, the abrasive tool 90 comprises ( in particular, is ) a carving kni fe , a milling cutter, a grinding wheel .

[0066] According to other advantageous but non-limiting embodiments not illustrated, the decoration machine 9 comprises a multi-tool head configured to carry a plurality of decoration tools and the control unit of the decoration machine 9 is configured to command the operation of one of such decoration tools as a function of the three-dimensional decoration to be created .

[0067] Advantageously but not limitedly, the decoration machine 9 ( in particular, the support 23 ) further comprises at least one plane of gripping elements 26 ( as is illustrated in Figures 4 and 5 ) , for example suction elements such as suction cups , configured to keep the ceramic article MC in position while it is decorated by the decoration machine 9 . This allows avoiding the risk of falls or involuntary displacements of the ceramic article MC which could compromise the decoration or cause damage to the ceramic article .

[0068] According to some advantageous but non-limiting embodiments , the decoration machine 9 also comprises at least one detection unit 27 for detecting at least the space orientation of the ceramic article MC, for example relative to the support 23 so as to consequently operate the supporting and handling structure 24 and creating the desired three-dimensional decoration .

[0069] Advantageously but not limitedly, the control assembly CU comprises a memory having a list of three-dimensional and multi-coloured decorations , as already mentioned above , and for each one of such three-dimensional and multi-coloured decorations comprises operating instructions comprising at least one decoration path to be followed on the ceramic article MC ; and the control unit of the decoration machine 9 is configured to operate the supporting and handling structure 24 as a function of the three-dimens ional and multi-coloured decoration to be created, of the information contained in such list ( in particular of the decoration path contained in such list ) and of the data detected by the detection unit 27 ; in particular , the control as sembly CU trans fers the above-mentioned instructions to the control unit of the decoration machine 9 which, consequently, operates the supporting and handling structure 24 and the abrasive tool 90 .

[0070] In these cases , the control unit of the decoration machine 9 is conf igured to induce a mutual movement between the support 23 and the supporting and moving structure 24 as a function of the data detected by the detection unit 27 , so as to induce the abrasive tool to move along the decoration path creating the desired three-dimensional decoration on the mentioned peripheral surface 2 of the ceramic article MC . In other words , according to some embodiments , both the support 23 and the supporting and handling structure 24 are moved, in use (namely during the creation of the decoration) as a function of the data detected by the detection unit 27 .

[0071] According to some advantageous but non-limiting embodiments , the detection unit 27 comprises a camera, or a 3D scanner . It is understood that any detection system 27 of the known type fit for detecting the space orientation of the ceramic article MC in the space could be utili zed in the decoration machine 6 .

[0072] According to some advantageous but non-limiting embodiments , the detection unit 27 is integral with the decoration machine 9 , for example is mounted on board the abrasive tool 90 .

[0073] According to other advantageous but non-limiting embodiments , the support 23 is movable relative to the supporting and handling structure 24 . In this case , advantageously but not limitedly, the control unit of the decoration machine 9 is configured to adj ust , in use (namely during the decoration operations ) , the mutual movement of the support 23 and of the supporting and handling structure 24 , advantageously when provided also as a function of the data detected by the detection unit 27 , so as to create the wanted decoration .

[0074] It is understood that the decoration machine 9 could comprise , instead of the support 23 , a gripping tool for keeping the ceramic article MC in a desired position while the above-mentioned abrasive tool 90 moves along the decoration path for creating the wanted decoration .

[0075] According to some advantageous but non-limiting embodiments , the abrasive tool 90 can be moved in the space relative to the ceramic article MC to be decorated by means of the handling device 21 , or the ceramic article MC can be moved relative to the abrasive tool 90 , by means of the moving of the support 23 and when provided also of the plane of gripping elements 26 , or both can be moved relative to each other for obtaining the desired three-dimensional and multi-coloured decoration .

[0076] According to some advantageous but non-limiting embodiments , the decoration machine 9 comprises at least one force detection device (not visible in the accompanying figures and known per se , for example comprising at least one force sensor of known type and) configured to detect a contact pressure transmitted, in use , by the abrasive tool 90 to the peripheral surface 2 of the ceramic article MC . In this case ( advantageously but not limitedly) , the control unit of the decoration machine 9 is configured to control the operation of the abrasive tool 90 also based on the data detected by the force detection device so that , in use , the abrasive tool 90 , creating the above-mentioned three- dimensional decoration, transmits a given contact pressure , more advantageously but not limitedly constant , to the peripheral surface 2 of the ceramic article .

[0077] According to some advantageous but non-limiting embodiments , the force detection device is arranged on the decoration machine 9 , for example at the j oint connecting the abrasive tool 90 to the supporting and handling structure 24 .

[0078] According to some advantageous but non-limiting embodiments , at least one of the heads 5A, 5B, 5C of the mould 4 comprises at least one portion having a raised structure ; in other words , at least one of the two heads 5A, 5B, 5C is a structured head so as to form a ceramic article MC having a pattern, at least partially raised, on at least part of the peripheral surface 2 . In this case , advantageously but not limitedly, the abrasive tool 90 of the decoration machine 9 comprises ( in particular, consists of ) a grinding wheel and the control assembly CU is configured to command the operation of the decoration machine 9 so as to remove at least one layer, of a thicknes s ranging from about 0 . 5 mm to about 3 mm, along the entire peripheral surface 2 of the ceramic article MC so as to remove at least part of the at least partially raised pattern and highlight the particular patterns created multi-coloured by the mixes inj ected in the casting cavity 6 consisting of the above- mentioned structured heads 5A, 5B, 5C . In fact , it has been experimentally observed that the inj ection of di f ferent mixes in a casting cavity 6 consisting of structured heads 5A, 5B, 5C allows creating, during the casting, particular structured aesthetic ef fects on the peripheral surface 2 of the ceramic article MC .

[0079] According to some advantageous but non-limiting embodiments , always in order to form particular aesthetic ef fects , the forming apparatus 3 comprises a rotation mechanism 28 ( only partially visible in Figure 3 , known per se and not described in detail herein) operatively connected to the mould 4 and capable of being operated to permit the rotation of the mould 4 , in a closed or casting configuration, by an angle ranging from about 0 ° to about 180 ° in a clockwi se direction and by an angle of about 180 ° at most in a counterclockwise direction . In this manner, by suitably adj usting the rotation of the mould 4 , it is possible to vary the mutual distribution of the mixes fed by the distribution system 7 so as to obtain certain defined three-dimensional multi-coloured decorations .

[0080] According to some advantageous but non-limiting embodiments , the pushing system 8 comprises : a container 29 ( in particular, a cylinder 29 under pressure ) which contains a pressuri zation fluid comprising ( in particular, consisting of ) pressuri zed air , for example industrial air, at a pressure of at least about 5 bar ( in particular, ranging from about 5 bar ; more advantageously, from about 10 bar to about 20 bar ) ; a connection pipe 30 which extends from the cylinder 29 to the mould 4 and is selectively connectable in a fluid manner to the feeding ducts I la, 11b, 11c, advantageously but not limitedly, by means of one or more valves 31 , so as to feed the pressuri zation fluid to the casting cavity 6 together with a defined quantity of at least one mix defining the above-mentioned fluid mix under pressure . The control assembly CU is configured to selectively permit or prevent the connection between the connection pipe 30 and the feeding ducts I la, 11b, 11c as a function of the three-dimensional and multi-coloured decoration to be obtained .

[0081] With particular reference to Figures 1 and 2 , advantageously but not limitedly, the manufacturing system 1 for manufacturing ceramic articles MC further comprises a discharge system 32 for expelling the liquid component of each mix, during the various casting cycles , comprising a duct 33 which extends from the forming apparatus 3 ( in particular, from the mould 4 ) to a collection tank 34 .

[0082] According to another aspect of the present invention, a manufacturing method is proposed for manufacturing a ceramic article MC having a three-dimensional and multicoloured decoration, of the type described above , by means of a forming apparatus 3 for pressure casting .

[0083] In detail , such forming apparatus 3 comprises a mould 4 having, in turn, two or more heads 5A, 5B and 5C complementary to one another and movable , relative to one another, between an open configuration, are distant from one another, and a closed or casting configuration, in which they are in contact and define , between them, a casting cavity 6 . More advantageously but not necessarily, such forming apparatus 3 is manufactured in accordance with one of the embodiments described above in relation to the manufacturing system 1 .

[0084] The manufacturing method comprises the following steps : a filling step , during which a feeding system 7 ( advantageously but not limitedly manufactured in accordance with one of the embodiments described above ) feeds , in a controlled and independent manner , a first mix, comprising ( in particular, consisting of ) a water suspension of ceramic material with a first colour , and at least one second mix comprising ( in particular, consisting of ) a water suspension of ceramic material with a second colour, which is di f ferent from the first colour , at a pressure ranging from about 0 . 5 bar to about 6 bar inside the casting cavity 6 ; a casting step, which is ( at least partially) subsequent to the filling step and during which a pushing system 8 ( advantageously but not limitedly manufactured in accordance with one of the embodiments described above ) sets , inside the casting cavity 6 , a casting pressure of at least about 5 bar ( in particular, ranging from about 5 bar to about 20 bar ) so as to form a multi-coloured ( in particular, two-coloured) ceramic article MC ; and a decoration step , which is ( at least partially) subsequent to the casting step and during which a decoration machine 9 , advantageously but not limitedly manufactured in accordance with one of the embodiments described above , and comprising at least one abrasive tool 90 is operated so that the abrasive tool 90 intercepts at least part of a peripheral surface 2 of the multi-coloured ceramic article MC so as to remove at least one layer of such peripheral surface 2 so as to create a three-dimensional decoration .

[0085] The manufacturing method further comprises a control step, which is ( at least partially) simultaneous with the filling step, the casting step and the decoration step and during which a control assembly CU controls the operation of the forming apparatus 3 , of the feeding system 7 and of the pushing system 8 so as to ensure that the di f ferent mixes fed in the casting cavity 6 are mixed together in order to form, at the end of the above-mentioned casting step, a multi-coloured ( in particular, two-coloured; more in particular, having veining with colour contrast ) pattern . During such control step, the control assembly CU further controls the operation of the decoration machine 9 , as a function of the two-coloured pattern, so as to create the above-mentioned three-dimensional and multi-coloured decoration on the peripheral surface 2 of such ceramic article MC .

[0086] Advantageously, but not limitedly, during such filling step the feeding system 7 feeds directly ( i . e . without passing in other components ) each mix inside the casting cavity 6 , as is better explained above in relation to the manufacturing system 1 .

[0087] Advantageously but not limitedly, the filling step comprises : a first feeding sub-step, during which the feeding system 7 feeds at least the first mix into the casting cavity 6 with a first feeding pressure for a first feeding interval , and at least one second feeding sub-step, during which the feeding system 7 feeds at least the second mix into the casting cavity 6 with a second feeding pressure for a second feeding interval . When the feeding of more than two mixes is provided, the filling step comprises further filling substeps , as many as the number of mixes to be fed, and during each one of such filling sub-steps the feeding system 7 feeds a respective mix into the casting cavity 6 with a respective feeding pressure for a respective feeding interval .

[0088] Advantageously, during the control step, the control assembly CU controls the feeding system 7 for varying the feeding pressure and / or the feeding intervals in the various feeding sub-steps as a function of the type o f three- dimensional multi-coloured decoration to be formed . In other words , advantageously but not limitedly, during the filling step, the feeding system 7 adj usts the feeding pressure ( in particular the speed) , the quantity of mix fed, and the feeding time of each ceramic mix as a function of the type of three-dimensional multi-coloured decoration to be formed .

[0089] According to some advantageous but non-limiting embodiments , the casting step comprises : a first casting sub-step, which is ( at least partially) subsequent to the first feeding sub-step and ( at least partially) prior to the second feeding sub-step and during which the pushing system 8 inj ects into the casting cavity 6 a fluid mixture under pressure comprising ( in particular, consisting of ) a pressuri zation fluid, typically coming from a pressuri zation cylinder 29 and a given quantity of at least one mix ( or of a combination of the various mixes ) for a first time interval so as to form a first layer S I of the ceramic article MC ; and a second casting sub-step, which is ( at least partially) subsequent to the second feeding sub-step and during which the pushing system 8 inj ects into the casting cavity 6 the above-mentioned f luid mixture (which advantageously but not limitedly can include di f ferent types of mix ) under pressure for a second time interval so as to form at least one second layer S2 of the ceramic article MC . It is understood that when the ceramic article MC comprises more layers SI, S2, S3, for example three layers as is shown in Figures 6, 7, 7A, the casting step comprises a number of casting sub-steps, substantially similar to the first and to the second casting sub-steps, that is the same as the number of layers SI, S2, S3.

[0090] According to some advantageous but non-limiting embodiments, the various casting sub-steps are spaced apart from one another by a defined amount of time, which is a function of the type of mix fed during the filling step and of the thickness of the layer SI, S2, S3 to be formed (in particular, is such to allow, by dehydration of the mix, the formation of a layer SI, S2, S3) , thereby obtaining a multilayer ceramic article MC . More advantageously but not limitedly, such defined time is of about 30 seconds; more advantageously, ranges from about 30 seconds to about 600 seconds; even more advantageously, is of about 300 seconds.

[0091] Alternatively, according to other advantageous but nonlimiting embodiments, the various feeding sub-steps are (at least partially) simultaneous with one another and simultaneous with the casting step; in other words, according to some embodiments, the casting occurs in one single casting step .

[0092] In both cases (i.e. both whether the ceramic article MC is formed in one single casting step and whether the ceramic article MC is manufactured in more casting sub-steps) during the control step, the control assembly CU controls the operation of the pushing system 8 as a function of the type of three-dimensional and multi-coloured decoration to be formed and controls the operation of the decoration machine 9 as a function of the three-dimensional and multi-coloured decoration to be formed and of the type of ceramic article MC formed .

[0093] Advantageously but not limitedly, during the casting step, or when more casting sub-steps are provided during each casting sub-step, a fluid mixture is inj ected which contains a quantity of mix such to ensure that the casting cavity 6 is always completely filled with mix, thus to compensate the proportion of liquid component which is expelled from the mould 4 during the casting ( in particular, as the solid component is deposited on the walls of the mould 4 so as to form the ceramic article MC ) .

[0094] Going into detail about the decoration, advantageously but not limitedly, the decoration step comprises in turn : a decoration sub-step, during which the abrasive tool 90 intercepts the peripheral surface 2 of the ceramic article MC and removes at least one layer of material ; a moving substep, which is ( at least partially) simultaneous with the incision sub-step and during which the control unit of the decoration machine 9 operates the supporting and handling structure 24 and moves the abrasive tool 90 along a decoration path, which extends along at least part of the peripheral surface 2 of the ceramic article MC .

[0095] In detail , according to some advantageous but nonlimiting embodiments , such as the ones shown in Figures 5 , 6 , 7 and 7A, the abrasive tool 90 of the decoration machine 9 is a cutting or incision kni fe and, during the moving substep, the abrasive tool 90 is moved along a decoration path that extends on the peripheral surface 2 of the ceramic article MC, according to a defined pattern, so as to form the above-mentioned three-dimensional and multi-coloured decoration / pattern .

[0096] With particular reference to Figure 8 , according to alternative embodiments , when at least one of the heads 5A, 5B, 5C of the mould 4 comprises at least one portion having a raised structure , the abrasive tool 90 is a grinding wheel and, during the moving sub-step, the abrasive tool 90 is moved along the entire peripheral surface 2 of the ceramic article MC for smoothing it highlighting the particular paths that the various mixes have accomplished during the casting, as is better explained in relation to the manufacturing system 1 for manufacturing ceramic articles .

[0097] According to some advantageous but non-limiting embodiments , the manufacturing method comprises : an unmoulding step, which is ( at least partially) subsequent to the casting step and prior to the decoration step and during which the heads 5A, 5B, 5C are moved from the closed or casting configuration to the open configuration, and a handling device 21 extracts the ceramic article MC from the forming apparatus 3 ; a drying step, during which the ceramic article MC already formed is dried ( in a manner known per se ) , and a transport step , which is ( at least partially) subsequent to the unmoulding step and during which a handling device 21 (which can coincide with the one that unmoulds the ceramic article MC or be another handling device 21 , more advantageously similar to the previous one ) moves the dried ceramic article MC to a decoration station 20 , where it will be decorated by the decoration machine 9 ( see , for example Figures 4 and 5 ) .

[0098] More advantageously but not limitedly, during the above-mentioned drying step, the ceramic article MC formed by the forming apparatus 3 is kept for a period of about 12- 14 hours in a storage area so as to obtain a ceramic article MC before being decorated .

[0099] Furthermore , advantageously but not limitedly, the transport step comprises a first transport sub-step, during which the handling device 21 moves the ceramic article MC from the forming apparatus 3 to the above-mentioned storage area, and a second transport sub-step, which is subsequent to the first transport sub-step by at least about 12 hours , during which the handling device 21 moves the ceramic article MC from the storage area to the decoration station 20 .

[0100] Advantageously but not limitedly, the method comprises a detection step ( at least partially) subsequent to the filling step and to the casting step and ( at least partially) prior to the decoration step , during which a detection unit 27 ( advantageously but not limitedly of the type described above ) detects at least the space orientation of the ceramic article MC so that during the moving sub-step , the supporting and handling structure 24 moves the abrasive tool 90 as a function of the three-dimensional decoration to be created and of the data detected by the detection unit 27 .

[0101] With particular reference to Figures 6 , 7 and 7A, when the ceramic article MC is formed in several casting substeps spaced apart by the above-mentioned defined amount of time , during the control step, the control assembly CU adj usts the operation of the decoration machine 9 based on the three-dimensional decoration to be created and on the thickness of the various layers S I , S2 , S3 so as to move the abrasive tool 90 along a decoration path that highlights given layers S I , S2 , S3 .

[0102] More in detail , according to some advantageous but non- limiting embodiments , when the ceramic article MC is multilayer, during the decoration step, the multi-layer ceramic article MC will be decorated with a decoration machine 9 provided with a force decoration device ( advantageously but not necessarily as described above ) , and the control unit of the decoration machine 9 adj usts the operation of the abrasive tool 90 based on the three-dimensional and multicoloured decoration to be created and on the thickness of the layers S I , S2 , S3 manufactured so as to form a three- dimensional decoration that exposes the di f ferent layers of the ceramic article MC .

[0103] According to some advantageous but non-limiting embodiments , the manufacturing method for manufacturing the ceramic articles MC further comprises a covering step, which is ( at least partially) subsequent to the decoration step and during which an enamelling device ( known per se and not described or illustrated herein ) , applies a layer of transparent enamel on the ceramic article MC already provided with the above-mentioned three-dimensional and multicoloured decoration .

[0104] According to some advantageous but non-limiting embodiments , the manufacturing method for manufacturing the ceramic articles MC further comprises a covering step, which is ( at least partially) subsequent to the decoration step and during which an enamelling device ( known per se and not described or illustrated herein ) , applies a layer of transparent enamel also called glaze on the ceramic article MC already provided with the above-mentioned three- dimensional and multi-coloured decoration .

[0105] Advantageously but not limitedly, the decoration method is carried out with a manufacturing system 1 of the type described above .

[0106] The present invention has many advantages , among which the following are mentioned .

[0107] The manufacturing method and the manufacturing system 1 for manufacturing ceramic articles MC of the present invention, permit , thanks to the particular feeding system 7 , capable of feeding several ceramic mixes simultaneously, and to a decoration machine 9 capable of decorating in an automatic manner the ceramic articles MC, obtaining decorated ceramic articles MC with three-dimens ional and multi-coloured decorations of di f ferent type , based on the di f ferent needs , without having to make any modi fications to the mould 4 and without providing for long and expensive manual decoration operations .

[0108] Furthermore , the manufacturing method and the manufacturing system 1 for manufacturing ceramic articles MC of the present invention, permit a remarkable increase in creative freedom in the manufacturing of the ceramic articles MC and in particular in the choice of the type of three- dimensional and multi-coloured decoration to be created, substantially the costs and ef ficiency of the manufacturing system 1 for manufacturing ceramic articles MC being equal .

Claims

CLAIMS1. A manufacturing system (1) for manufacturing at least one ceramic article (MC) having a three-dimensional and multi-coloured decoration; the manufacturing system (1) comprises : a forming apparatus (3) for pressure casting, which comprises at least one mould (4) having, in turn, a first head (5a) and at least one second head (5b) complementary to each other and movable, relative to each other, between an open configuration, in which the first head (5A) and the second head (5B) are distant from each other, and a closed configuration, in which the first head (5A) and the second head (5B) define, between them, a casting cavity (6) for the formation of a ceramic article (MC) ; a feeding system (7) configured to feed, in a controlled manner, a first mix, comprising (in particular, consisting of) a water suspension of ceramic material with a first colour, and at least one second mix comprising (in particular, consisting of) a water suspension of ceramic material with a second colour, which is different from the first colour, at a pressure ranging from about 0.5 bar to about 6 bar inside said casting cavity (6) ; a pushing system (8) configured to set, inside said casting cavity (6) , a casting pressure of at least about 5 bar (in particular, ranging from about 5 bar to about 20 bar) ; a decoration machine (9) comprising: at least one abrasive tool (90) , which is operatable / conf igured to intercept at least part of an outer surface of a ceramic article (MC) and to remove at least one layer from said peripheral surface (2) , a support (23) arranged at adecoration station (20) to receive said ceramic article (MC) , a supporting and handling structure (24) , which carries said abrasive tool (90) and is operatable to move it in the space, a control unit configured to operate said supporting and handling structure (24) and said abrasive tool (90) so as to create at least one three-dimensional decoration on said at least one peripheral surface (2) of said ceramic article (MC) , and a detection unit (27) for detecting at least the space orientation of said ceramic article (MC) ; a handling device (21) configured to take said ceramic article (MC) , when said forming apparatus (3) assumes said open configuration, and to move it towards said decoration station (20) ; and a control assembly (CU) configured to control the operation of said forming apparatus (3) , of said feeding system (7) and of said pushing system (8) so that said first and second mixes are mixed together in said casting cavity (6) in order to form, once said casting pressure has been set, a multi-coloured ceramic article (MC) provided, on said peripheral surface (2) , with a multi-coloured pattern (in particular, with a two-coloured; more in particular, having veining with colour contrast) and to control the operation of said decoration machine (9) as a function of said multicoloured pattern, so as to create said three-dimensional and multi-coloured decoration on said peripheral surface (2) ; said control assembly (CU) comprising a memory having a list of three-dimensional and multi-coloured decorations and, for each one of said three-dimensional and multicoloured decorations, at least the decoration path to be followed on said ceramic article (MC) and being connected to said control unit to control the operation of said supportingand handling structure (24) and of said abrasive tool (90) as a function of the three-dimensional and multi-coloured decoration to be created; said control unit being configured to operate said supporting and handling structure (24) and said abrasive tool (90) as a function of the three-dimensional and multicoloured decoration to be created, of the information contained in said list and of the data detected by the detection unit (27) .

2. The manufacturing system (1) for manufacturing ceramic articles (MC) according to claim 1, wherein said feeding system (7) comprises: a first tank (10a) for containing said first mix; at least one second tank (10b, 10c) for containing said second mix; a first feeding duct (Ila) for connecting said first tank (10a) to said mould (4) ; at least one second feeding duct (11b, 11c) for connecting said second tank (10b, 10c) to said mould (4) ; a pressurization assembly (12) configured to control the pressure with which each mix flows from the respective tank (10a, 10b, 10c) to the respective feeding duct (Ila, 11b, 11c) independently of the remaining mixes; a plurality of electronically controlled valve assemblies (13a, 13b, 13c) , one for each feeding duct (Ila, 11b, 11c) and each operatable, independently of the others, from a closed position, in which it prevents the fluid connection between the respective tank (10a, 10b, 10c) and said casting cavity (6) , to at least one open position, in which it permits the fluid connection between the respective tank (10b, 10b, 10c) and said casting cavity (6) , and vice versa; said control assembly (CU) being configured to control the pressurization assembly (12) and said valve assemblies(13a, 13b, 13c) to vary the quantity and the pressure with which said first mix and said second mix are fed to said casting cavity (6) as a function of the three-dimensional and multi-coloured decoration to be obtained.

3. The manufacturing system (1) for manufacturing ceramic articles (MC) according to claim 2, wherein said tanks (10a, 10b, 10c) are sealed tanks and said pressurization assembly (12) comprises, in turn: an inlet (14) for a fluid comprising (in particular, consisting of) air at a pressure ranging from about 0.5 to about 6 bar; a connection duct (15) , which is configured to connect said inlet (14) to each of said tanks (10a, 10b, 10c) for pressurizing said tanks (10a, 10b, 10c) and has a number of outlet branches (16a, 16b, 16c) that is the same as the number of tanks (10a, 10b, 10c) ; a plurality of pressure adjusters (17a, 17b, 17c) that are as many as the number of tanks (10a, 10b, 10c) , each located along a respective outlet branch (16a, 16b, 16c) of said connection duct (15) and configured to adjust the pressure of said fluid so as to independently adjust the pressure inside each tank (10a, 10b, 10c) ; a plurality of electronically controlled valves (19a, 19b, 19c) that are as many as the number of tanks (10a, 10b, 10c) , each located along a respective outlet branch (16a, 16b, 16c) and configured to selectively open or close the fluid connection between the connection duct (15) and the respective tank (10a, 10b, 10c) ; said control assembly (CU) being configured to independently control the operation of each pressure adjuster (17a, 17b, 17c) and of each valve (19a, 19b, 19c)as a function of the three-dimensional and multicoloured / two-coloured decoration to be obtained.

4. The manufacturing system (1) for manufacturing ceramic articles (MC) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said control assembly (CU) is configured to command the feeding system (7) (in particular, to simultaneously operate each valve assembly (13a, 13b, 13c) , causing it to shift to the open position) so as to feed, in one single casting cycle, said first and second mixes to said casting cavity (6) .

5. The manufacturing system (1) for manufacturing ceramic articles (MC) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein: said control assembly (CU) is configured to command, at given time intervals, the operation of the forming apparatus (3) , of the feeding system (7) and of the pushing system (8) so as to form said ceramic article (MC) in several successive casting cycles, thus obtaining a multi-layer ceramic article (MC) ; said control assembly (CU) is configured to command the operation of said valve assemblies (13a, 13b, 13c) at each given time interval so that, for each one of said casting cycles, at least one valve assembly (13a, 13b, 13c) of said plurality of valve assemblies (13a, 13b, 13c) assumes said open position and at least one other valve assembly (13a, 13b, 13c) of said plurality of valve assemblies (13a, 13b, 13c) assumes said closed position so as to alternately feed at least said first and second mixes to said casting cavity (6) .

6. The manufacturing system (1) for manufacturing ceramic articles (MC) according to claim 5, wherein: said control assembly (CU) comprises at least one memoryto store setting data, comprising at least the thickness of the different layers (SI, S2, S3) of said multi-layer ceramic article (MC) , and is configured to command the decoration machine (9) so as to control the operation of said abrasive tool (90) so that, in use, by intercepting said peripheral surface (2) , it removes a portion of said multi-layer ceramic article (MC) having a given extension; said given extension being a function of the three- dimensional decoration to be obtained and of said setting data .

7. The manufacturing system (1) for manufacturing ceramic articles (MC) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: at least one of said heads (5A, 5B) comprises at least one portion having a raised structure so as to form a ceramic article (MC) having an at least partially raised pattern on at least part of said peripheral surface (2) ; said abrasive tool (90) of said decoration machine (9) comprises (in particular, consists of) a grinding wheel and said control assembly (CU) is configured to command the operation of said decoration machine (9) so as to remove at least one layer with a thickness of about 0.5 mm (in particular, ranging from about 0.5 mm to about 3 mm) along the entire peripheral surface (2) of said ceramic article (MC) so as to remove at least part of said at least partially raised pattern.

8. The manufacturing system (1) for manufacturing ceramic articles (MC) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said forming apparatus (3) comprises a rotation mechanism (28) operatively connected to said mould (4) and capable of being operated to permit the rotation ofthe mould (4) in a closed configuration, by an angle ranging from about 0° to about 180° in a clockwise direction and by an angle of about 180° at most in a counterclockwise direction .

9. A manufacturing method for manufacturing a ceramic article (MC) having a three-dimensional and multi-coloured decoration by means of a forming apparatus (3) for pressure casting, which comprises at least one mould (4) having, in turn, a first head (5A) and at least one second head (5B) complementary to each other and movable, relative to each other, between an open configuration, in which the first head (5A) and the second head (5B) are distant from each other, and a closed configuration, in which the first head (5A) and the second head (5B) are at least partially in contact and define, between them, a casting cavity (6) for the formation of a ceramic article (MC) ; the manufacturing method comprises the following steps: a filling step, during which a feeding system (7) feeds, in a controlled manner, a first mix, comprising (in particular, consisting of) a water suspension of ceramic material with a first colour, and at least one second mix comprising (in particular, consisting of) a water suspension of ceramic material with a second colour, which is different from the first colour, at a pressure ranging from about 0.5 bar to about 6 bar inside said casting cavity (6) ; a casting step, which is at least partially subsequent to said filling step and during which a pushing system (8) sets, inside said cavity (6) , a casting pressure of at least about 5 bar (in particular, ranging from about 5 bar to about 20 bar) so as to form a multi-coloured (in particular, two- coloured) ceramic article (MC) ;a decoration step, which is at least partially subsequent to said casting step and during which a decoration machine (9) comprising at least one abrasive tool (90) is operated and said abrasive tool (90) intercepts at least part of a peripheral surface (2) of said multi-coloured ceramic article (MC) and removes at least one layer from said peripheral surface (2) to create a three-dimensional decoration; an unmoulding step, which is at least partially subsequent to said casting step and prior to said decoration step and during which said first and second heads (5A, 5B) are moved from said closed configuration to the open configuration, a handling device (21) extracts said ceramic article (MC) from the forming apparatus (3) ; a drying step, which is at least partially subsequent to the extraction step, during which said ceramic article (MC) is dried; a transport step, during which a handling device (21) moves said dried ceramic article (MC) to a decoration station (20) ; a first detection step, which is at least partially subsequent to said filling step and to said casting step and at least partially prior to said decoration step, during which a detection unit (27) detects at least the space orientation of said ceramic article (MC) ; and a control step, which is at least partially simultaneous with said filling step, said casting step and said decoration step and during which a control assembly (CU) controls the operation of said forming apparatus (3) , of said feeding system (7) and of said pushing system (8) so that said first and second mixes are mixed together in said casting cavity(6) in order to form, at the end of said casting step, said multi-coloured (in particular, two-coloured) ceramic article (MC) provided, on said peripheral surface (2) , with a multicoloured (in particular, two-coloured) pattern (more in particular, having veining with colour contrast) and controls the operation of said decoration machine (9) as a function of said multi-coloured pattern, so as to create said three-dimensional and multi-coloured decoration on said outer surface (2) ; said decoration machine (9) comprising a support (23) arranged at said decoration station (20) to receive said ceramic article (MC) , a supporting and handling structure (24) , which carries said abrasive tool (90) and is operable to move it in the space, and a control unit configured to operate said supporting and handling structure (24) and said abrasive tool (90) so as to create at least one three- dimensional decoration on said at least one peripheral surface (2) of said ceramic article (MC) ; said decoration step comprises a decoration sub-step, during which said abrasive tool (90) intercepts said peripheral surface (2) of said ceramic article (MC) and removes at least one layer of material, a moving sub-step, which is at least partially simultaneous with said incision sub-step and during which the control unit operates said supporting and handling structure (24) , which moves said abrasive tool (90) along a decoration path; during said moving sub-step, said control unit operating said supporting and handling structure (24) as a function of the three-dimensional decoration to be created and of the data detected by the detection unit (27) .

10. The manufacturing method for manufacturing aceramic article (MC) according to claim 9, wherein: said filling step comprises: a first feeding sub-step, during which said feeding system (7) feeds at least said first mix into the casting cavity (6) with a first feeding pressure for a first feeding time interval, and at least one second feeding sub-step, during which said feeding system (7) feeds at least said second mix into the casting cavity (6) with a second feeding pressure for a second feeding time interval ; during said control step, the control assembly (CU) controls said feeding system (7) to vary said first and second feeding pressures and said first and second feeding time intervals as a function of the type of three-dimensional and multi-coloured decoration to be created.

11. The manufacturing method according to claim 10, wherein said casting step comprises a first casting substep, which is at least partially subsequent to said first feeding sub-step and at least partially prior to said second feeding sub-step and during which said pushing system (8) injects into said casting cavity (6) a fluid mixture under pressure comprising (in particular, consisting of) a pressurization fluid and a given quantity of at least one of said first mix and said second mix for a first time interval so as to form a first layer (SI) of said ceramic article (MC) ; and a second casting sub-step, which is at least partially subsequent to said second feeding sub-step and during which said pushing system (8) injects into said casting cavity (6) said fluid mixture under pressure for a second time interval so as to form at least one second layer (S2) of said ceramic article (MC) ; said first casting sub-step and said at least one secondcasting sub-step being spaced apart from each other by a defined amount of time, which is a function at least of the type of mix fed during said filling step and of the thickness of the layer (SI, S2) to be formed in order to form at least one multi-layer ceramic article (MC) ; during said control step, said control assembly (CU) adjusts the operation of said decoration machine (9) based on the three-dimensional decoration to be created and on the thickness of said first and second layers (SI, S2) .

12. The manufacturing method according to claim 10, wherein said first and second feeding sub-steps are at least partially simultaneous with each other and simultaneous with said casting step.

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