Finishing quality and sustainability: BMR launches the new Compact line

Combining Levi Compact and Shine Compact, the new solution represents the state of the art in BMR technology for lapping, satin finishing and super-polishing large slabs. It delivers superior finishing quality and high productivity while reducing the line footprint by up to 40% for the same output. The first solution has been commissioned at Grupo Argenta in Spain.

The Compact Line is BMR’s patented solution for lapping, satin finishing and polishing large slabs, developed to meet the ceramic market’s latest requirements: larger sizes, high-quality finishes and more sustainable processes.

Designed for processing slabs in 1200 mm, 1600 mm and 1800 mm sizes, the solution embodies BMR’s approach to improving process efficiency and optimising the use of energy, materials and resources, in line with the sector’s sustainable growth objectives.

Double parallel swinging bridge technology

The Compact Line consists of Levi Compact and Shine Compact, the state of the art in BMR technology for slab lapping, satin finishing and super-polishing. At the heart of the line is a system based on two parallel swinging bridges, a configuration designed specifically to meet the processing requirements of large-format slabs.

The operating principle involves dividing the slab into two working areas, which are processed simultaneously by the two bridges. This reduces beam travel, increases operating speed and improves the coverage of each individual processing head.

According to BMR, the system offers a significant increase in productivity, greater processing uniformity across the entire slab surface, fewer aesthetic defects and optimised consumption of water, abrasives and energy. It consequently delivers high performance with lower resource consumption for the same production output.

Levi Compact for lapping and satin finishing

Levi Compact has been developed specifically for processing large-format slabs and combines a highly rigid mechanical structure with drive systems designed to ensure precision and operational stability.

The machine features an electro-welded frame and a CNC-machined bed, while material transport is handled by a high-grip belt. The six-tool processing heads are installed on two parallel beams running on recirculating ball guide rails in an oil bath, with beam synchronisation provided by brushless motors managed via an electrical axis.

The double swinging bridge optimises beam movements and processing head coverage, helping to increase operating speed and finishing uniformity, with tangible advantages especially on large formats. It also reduces the machine footprint by 40% compared to current technology.

Shine Compact for polishing

Shine Compact applies the Compact Line concept to the chemical polishing process for large slabs. Developed for the final finishing stage, it also reduces the footprint by up to 40% compared to traditional systems and is designed to ensure greater efficiency and process control, along with high surface quality.

From a technical standpoint, Shine Compact integrates satellite heads for product application and washing, high-torque motors, pressure and counter-pressure control via set points and dosing through precision peristaltic pumps to ensure uniform and repeatable product distribution.

The system also features process temperature monitoring, automatic tool washing (up to 7 heads in just 2 minutes), management of two products within the same processing cycle and control of the incoming product conditions. Operations are managed via a 21.5-inch interface designed for simple and immediate process control.

Polishing helps to fill the surface microporosity of the slab, improving gloss, aesthetic depth and resistance.

ShineVision provides automated quality control

Downstream of the finishing process, the Compact Line is completed by BMR-Italvision vision systems, including ShineVision for automatic surface quality control.

The system detects scratches and aesthetic defects, helping to increase the percentage of first-quality products. BMR’s digital technologies also allow for real-time processing and historical data logging, taking quality control towards full process control.

Grupo Argenta: first installation on the market

Developed and tested by BMR, the first Compact Line on the market was recently installed and commissioned at Grupo Argenta, one of Spain’s leading ceramic tile manufacturing groups. The project was carried out at the group’s Factoría 1 plant in Vall d'Alba (Castellón) and forms part of its broader development plan, which includes the introduction of new SACMI Continua+ lines for large-format production up to 1200x2800 mm.

"BMR has once again confirmed its status as a reliable partner and a strategic ally for our future. This project represents a major step forward in the surface finishing of our products," stated Grupo Argenta's management team.