Why is a dimensional control on ceramic panels useful? Because flaws of the tiles, which have not been subjected to dimensional control operations for years – except for extremely basic measurement processes – are being adjusted and resized during installation operations. With no returns or complaints. While this has always been possible with relatively small tile sizes, it becomes nearly impossible with large format panels. With such large proportions, it is impossible to fix the error when laying. An orthogonality error on a 100×200 cm panel is simply not manageable and has to be identified immediately. Therefore, Reverse and Quality srl. has met the need to adjust machines and processes in the ceramics field. We have been the very first to apply metrology, and decades of experience from the fields of mechanics, to serve the ceramic world as a means of enhancing its dimensional control processes. Centro Ceramico Bologna, a reference for the industry, contacted us to interpret and apply the international standards that govern the ceramic industry, and for which checks are nowadays required. 
How do dimensional controls take place on ceramic panels?
The ceramic control that Reverse and Quality Srl. performs on large format panels is of two different kinds. Dimensional control of ceramic panels on behalf of Centro Ceramico Bologna, whom we collaborate with on the compliance of several international standards, mainly large format panels. As of today, the technologies applied within ceramics field do not allow to control dimensions exceeding 100×100 cm. These technologies exhibit a high measurement uncertainty: with our machines we manage to go significantly beyond this measurement, ensuring a measurement uncertainty of just a few thousandths of a millimeter. In fact, with few dimensional limits we can check panels up to 5 x 3 meters and also dimensional control on primary aluminum samples (performed right from Reverse and Quality) that are used in different departments to check the production dimensions. These are samples meant to calibrate the machines and validate the resulting products. Dimensional checks are carried out with the aid of:
- CMM: three-dimensional control coordinated machines
- anthropomorphic arms
- Laser Tracker
According to the standards, the ceramic sample and primary samples are examined and then the corresponding report is drafted. Reverse and Quality srl. performs primary sample inspections either at its own facilities or right at the client’s site for larger panels. Dimensional controls in the ceramic industry are helping companies to improve and modernize production processes, leading to an exchange of information and technical and legislative know-how that will support the evolution and development of the Italian ceramic industry. To get information on dimensional control for the ceramic industry, contact us!
