RAK UAE prepares to double tableware production output with Sacmi-Sama

RAK UAE strengthens its long-standing partnership with Sacmi to sustain the considerable increase in demand in the tableware sector. Already a market leader, RAK is getting equipped to increase their annual production capacity by an additional 10 million pcs at its plant based in Ras Al Khaimah. For this reason, the company has recently installed and commissioned a new solution for the isostatic pressing of vitreous china items, characterized by a high degree of automation and flexibility, with diversified production mixes, as well as low consumption levels.

Recently tested and started-up, the new PHO 451 operates in line with the OFM-8 universal finishing machine. Supplied together with all its auxiliary equipment –including the spraydried powder filling system, loading-unloading conveyor belts, infeed to the finishing machine, fettling machine, and automatic 4-position stacking machine– the PHO 451 can work with up to 500 pcs per hour (round and non-round shapes) with a diameter between 110 and 380 mm when unfired and with depth up to 110 mm.

Among the distinctive features of the machine, are the “Green” devices which enable –for example by means of the hydraulic motor provided with inverter- optimized control of power, reduced to just 45 kW (in terms of power output), meaning a reduction in consumption of up to 30% or more (for example; a complex production of plates with 25 cm diameter could be achieved using just 10,05 kW/h of energy for 350 pcs/hour). This optimization also makes it possible to significantly reduce the process water requirements thus protecting the environment.

Of particular interest is the combination of the PHO press with the OFM-8 universal finishing machine, provided with six finishing stations plus two loading-unloading stations. It also has the possibility to handle, in a fully integrated way, all the fettling and sponging operations of both round and square or irregularly-shaped pieces, thanks to the scanner which identifies the size and shape of the piece, its position on the support and the actions required. In this way, once finishing has been completed, the item is passed on to the automatic stacking machine with no need for any manual handling. With this supply –which brings the number of Sama presses installed at RAK UAE (some with two pressing heads and others single-head presses) to a total of 5– Sacmi has reinforced its long-standing partnership with one of the leading international groups in the ceramics industry. This is just a taste of what is to come with the planned plant expansion to double tableware production to be started in 2023. ◆

Tecno Diamant brings the innovation of its diamond tools to Expo Revestir 2023

Brazil hosted, once again, one of the key trade fairs in the ceramics world in 2023. From 14 to 17 March 2023, Expo Revestir -the largest event in Latin America dedicated to tiling and finishing- made its comeback at São Paulo's Transamérica Expo Center.

Leader in the field of diamond tools for ceramic and stone processing, Tecno Diamant exhibited at the fair with its own dedicated stand, where it showcased one of the most popular solutions in its product range: its satin-finishing brushes for porcelain stoneware.

In order to obtain its silky-smooth appearance and subtler reflections, porcelain stoneware requires a brushing process. This prestigious finishing technique guarantees porcelain stoneware excellent resistance to wear, scratches, and chemical agents, as well as a good grip and low water absorption, making the tiles ideal even in high-humidity areas. Ahead of its time and with the aim of meeting a rapidly growing market demand, Tecno Diamant began manufacturing its satin finishing brushes as early on as 2012, at its Brazilian plant Tecno Diamant do Brasil. Here, with ten years of activity