2020 saw the introduction and 2021 the proliferation of the
Due to significant improvements in porcelain glaze technology, manufacturers have created a glaze that represents both an internal and external (anti slip) tile within the one finish. In its most basic sense, a micro finish feels like a matt finish tile (P2 or R9) when dry but provides the slip resistance of an external tile (P4 or R11) when wet. This provides the added benefit of an improved lower maintenance anti slip tile that seamlessly matches the colour and finish of an internal tile. How it's DoneOne of the pinnacles of flooring technology is to produce a surface that is smooth to touch, but has an anti slip effect, while retaining the inert hardness and stain and chemical resistance characteristics of porcelain tile. Tile manufacturers have discovered that a smooth nano like surface can be achieved by spraying a combination of finely ground silicates and quartz with anti slip qualities that are suspended in the inks that make the pattern of a tile before the kilning process. As the anti slip qualities are intertwined within the ink or pattern of the tile, it is not necessary for the anti slip product to cover the entire tile. Manufactures are only required to appropriately apply the design to obtain an ant slip finish. This means that anti slip tiles can be achieved by applying the above properties via a thin film application technology using rotogravure or inkjet printing. The result is that micro finish tiles are capable of:
How Anti Slip Finishes Are Traditional AchievedPorcelain and ceramic tiles are well known flooring solutions for those seeking an anti slip surface. The conventional method for achieving anti slip surfaces consist of increasing tile surface roughness by incorporating particles of components of high hardness, such as quartz or alumina, embedded in a bonding glassy matrix. Another known method is to apply anti slip particles in the post firing stages using a polymer binder. Other treatments that also provide anti slip characteristics chemically etch the surface or perform micro perforation in the tile surface. In general, the conventional methods, for the most part of tiles, alter the tile surface appearance, particularly in regard to aesthetics such as change in texture, gloss loss and veiling of the decoration. The new micro finish manufacturing process allows the application of anti slip surfaces without the traditional rough texture impairing the required technical properties of a tile which are appropriate for intended tile use. The new micro finish technology has been tested and meets:
There a range of micro finish tiles available in store to view in person. This new surface provides yet another durable, tactile and low maintenance flooring solution while retaining aesthetic appeal without having to sacrifice safety. Reference: Anti-Slip Ceramic Tiles Obtained By Inkjet Printing. The Problem of Chemical Resistance. Javier Cabedo, Susana Carmena, Manolo Mateu, Carlos Gil, Adriana Belda, Vicente Sanz.
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