Although tile has been around for thousands of years, the industry continues to progress. Updates have opened up more designs than ever before, enhancing an already timeless product.
From wood looks to concrete textures, these new technologies are redefining what’s possible with tile. But, the changes also reinforce some traditional looks.
Digital Printing
The global tile production industry has seen a remarkable shift from traditional screen printing to digital inkjet printers. In fact, according to the UK-based printhead maker Xaar, sales of new screens for ceramic tile decoration have all but disappeared as manufacturers move fully into inkjet and demand for machines grows.
A dedicated digital tile printing machine uses high-resolution inkjet technology to apply designs directly onto a finished tile. Ink droplets are controlled by software, which interprets the design, and then dispenses the correct ink onto the surface of the tile at precisely the right moment. The result is stunningly precise colors and images with razor sharp edges.
It’s a non-contact process and so is safer than the screen and roller printers, which operate in contact with unfired “biscuit” tiles that are fragile and easily broken. It also allows small lot sizes (even one!) to be produced, enables more colors and complex designs, and reduces waste and work-in-progress.
Digital printing for tiles relies on a very special ink, with specific formulations that enable the required pigments to perform without settling or blocking nozzles. The key is a full-recirculating ink system that prevents inks from drying and clogging during breaks. For example, KERAjet inkjet heads use a patented deformable nozzle with a unique design that deforms under voltage to expel the ink drops.
Large Format
Increasing demand for elegant yet resilient flooring solutions in hospitality and healthcare applications is driving industry growth. This trend, coupled with rising urbanization and government initiatives promoting infrastructure development, is expected to drive product demand over the forecast period. Additionally, ceramic tile is an eco-friendly material that meets green building standards. This feature, in combination with a growing focus on personalization and the emergence of augmented reality tools that allow consumers to visualize tiles in their spaces before making a purchase, is helping to drive industry growth.
Consumers are also attracted to porcelain and ceramic tiles that imitate the look of natural materials such as wood, concrete, or marble. This aesthetic provides design flexibility for both commercial and residential spaces.
Manufacturers are incorporating digital printing technology into their production processes to facilitate the creation of intricate and customizable designs, aligning with growing customer demands. This trend is especially prevalent in Asia, where consumers are often seeking unique colors and patterns that reflect their cultural aesthetics and personal tastes. In addition, the region is seeing increased interest in anti-bacterial and germ-resistant tiles, as consumers place an importance on health and wellness.
Thin Tile
The development of large-format, thin tile has ushered in a renaissance in outdoor living spaces. “This new category is allowing tile to be used in places that were once impossible because of the weight of thick tiles,” Dal-Tile’s Thorn-Brooks said.
Unlike traditional ceramic tiles, thin tile is plate-shaped and uses much less raw material and energy. Manufacturers use a special calcination process at 1200°C to transform kaolin clays and inorganic non-metal materials into an ultra-thin ceramic plate. “This technology is a very efficient one that greatly saves raw material and reduces energy consumption,” said Liu Zhiyuan, president of the China Tile Association.
Thin tile manufacturing technologies include Lamina, a system from System that uses large kilns; the Continua line from Sacmi, which features powder-based digital decoration systems and ‘on the fly’ cutting stations; Supera, from Siti B&T; and double-pressed or dust-pressed technology that loads powder into presses and creates slabs with varying thicknesses. Several manufacturers, including Iris, Ariostea, Fincibec and Graniti Fiandre, use the latter technology.
With these new looks and a variety of formats and thicknesses, designers now have a vast array of options for both residential and commercial spaces. However, as the industry continues to develop new products and thin tile continues to gain traction in new areas, installers must be aware of its unique handling and installation requirements. Thin tiles typically have lower breaking strength (less able to resist impact loading) than regular tile, and they must be fully supported at all times to avoid damage.
Outdoor Living Spaces
Outdoor living spaces continue to rise in popularity. They are a great way to increase the amount of usable space in one’s home and allow homeowners to relax and entertain guests comfortably. Adding an outdoor kitchen, fire pit, pool or lounge area can add significantly to the livability and value of a home.
These unique spaces blur the lines between indoor and outdoor space by providing a comfortable, aesthetically appealing setting for relaxing, entertaining and socializing. They are popular because they can be built at a fraction of the cost of a home addition and can add anywhere from 50%-200% to a property’s value.
When choosing a tile for these areas, it is important to select a product with high bond strength and durability. This will help to ensure that the tiles stay in place despite weathering from sun exposure, freezing/thawing cycles and exterior maintenance regimens. Dal-Tile’s Martinson noted that natural looks are a hot trend in the market, but she also sees an increased interest in marble styles for both interior and exterior applications.
Whether a homeowner chooses to style their outdoor living space as a separate area in the backyard or incorporate it into their existing landscaping, a well-dressed space can be a welcome retreat from the busy, stressful world around them. And, by incorporating an outdoor living space into their design plans, they can be sure that the investment will pay off in terms of home value and quality of life.