Advanced laboratory training for technicians from ceramic tile producers and glaze and colour suppliers

The Ceramic Focus 2015 training programme organised by the Acimac-sponsored training academy SBS (Scuola Beni Strumentali, or "capital goods school") will begin on 21 October.

The year-long training programme will address topics of key interest for technicians working for ceramic tile companies and glaze and colour suppliers and will consist of four different modules.

The first, entitled "the ceramic production process" (October - December 2015), will address issues relating to raw materials and bodies, grinding and preparation, pressing, digital decoration, drying and firing, and surface treatments.

The next module, on "ceramic techniques" (December 2015 - January 2016), will explore ceramic rheology, glazes and additives, colour management, defects, process and product control, and problems and solutions in raw materials selection and in the stages of grinding, pressing and firing of large ceramic tiles and panels.

The third module, to be held in March, will be devoted to "energy and environment" and will include lessons on energy efficiency, energy auditing in the production process, plant purification, waste recycling and environmental management.

The final module to be held in November 2016 will be on "international tile standards".

What makes the programme truly unique is the fact that the lessons given by the SBS tutors will be held in the laboratories of leading ceramic machinery manufacturers.

The companies involved are: Ancora, Bmr, Digital Design, Esmalglass, Projecta Engineering, Siti - B&T Group and Tecnografica.