Ceramiche Piemme to install second Durst system

Ceramiche Piemme is set to install a second Durst Gamma DG digital glazing system. The first Gamma DG 101 machine will now be joined by the Durst Gamma DG 141 for large sizes.

Ceramiche Piemme has announced the purchase of a second Durst Gamma DG system, the revolutionary technology for digital glazing of ceramic tiles developed by the South Tyrolean manufacturer. After testing the functionality of the Durst Gamma DG 101 model, the well-known Italian ceramic tile producer is now focusing on the Gamma DG 141 model with a wider print width for printing large size tiles. The machine will be installed in February at the ultra-modern production facility in the province of Modena, joining the other Durst technologies already adopted by the company.

“We introduced the first Durst digital printer in 2010 and our production department now has five Gamma XD series systems consisting of models 98, 108 and 148 installed on five different production lines,” explains Flavia Fiorino, Industrial Innovation Manager at Ceramiche Piemme. “Five years ago we took the opportunity to be the first company to test the potential of the Gamma DG 101 digital glazing system with a view to experimenting with further aesthetic enhancement of our products.”

Gamma DG 101 immediately began operating in-line with one of the previously installed Durst Gamma XD systems to produce digitally printed textures in perfect alignment with the graphic designs. This enhances the three-dimensionality of the tiles, creating unprecedented visual and tactile effects. The combination of Gamma DG and Gamma XD technology has enabled Ceramiche Piemme to create four brand new product lines: Evoluta, Ibla, Journey and Limestone.

Based on more than 10 years of intensive R&D work, Durst Gamma DG is capable of producing highly detailed structures on smooth tiles, creating far more realistic material effects on the ceramic surfaces than could previously be achieved with other technologies, such as stone, marble and wood. This result is achieved thanks to Durst’s proprietary and revolutionary RockJET™ printheads, specially designed to handle ceramic glazes with the large (up to 45µm) high-viscosity particles that are needed for printing unlimited high-definition structures.

“Based on our technical and manufacturing experience, the main benefit of this technology is the possibility of creating an infinite number of three-dimensional structures without altering the pressing machine but simply using a digitally applied glaze,” continues Fiorino. “On an aesthetic level, Durst Gamma DG creates unique material effects that make for extremely realistic looking products.”

Alberto Bassanello, Sales Director Italy of the Durst Group, described Ceramiche Piemme’s continued trust in Durst as a source of pride as it testifies to the brand’s reliability and ability to innovate and confirms the validity of the Gamma DG technology, which allows for an efficient and truly sustainable production process.