Ferro was the first to develop and introduce digital inkjet decoration to the tile market, offering advantages not yet seen in the marketplace. Inkjet printing provides touchless printing, prints reliefs and creates effects with exquisite detail and quality. Today, digital inkjet decoration is recognized as the leading-edge tile printing technique, helping tile manufacturers improve production efficiency and reduce the total cost of their products.

Inkjet printing can produce a variety of effects on ceramic tile, including wood grain.

Ferro's KeramInks® produce a wide variety of effects, allowing tile manufacturers to achieve high-definition, detailed looks of natural products such as wood, stone and complex mosaics, as well as repeating geometric and irregular patterns, floral patterns, metallic effects, and reproductions of photographed images. Inkjet technology is a touchless method that produces both high and low reliefs and allows printing to the edge of the piece, reducing scrap. The method makes the development of new products easier and reduces modeling costs because models are designed with Photoshop® software without the need to print test screens, test windows, or test cylinders to prepare ink for the trials.

Once models are developed, printing of the finished product can begin almost immediately, minimizing development time. It also saves manpower and costs because only the designer and machine operator are involved in the process. New models can be tested directly on the production line and can be reproduced immediately once accepted for production. Also, since the color process is managed in Photoshop® or even at the machine itself, simple modifications or color adjustments can be made via the computer program, further simplifying and speeding up the process.

Ferro not only supplies inks and glazes used in inkjet decoration, but also is actively involved in developing the application methods. During the last several years, machine manufacturers have introduced new and advanced equipment, including Kerajet, Cretaprint, Durst, System, Newtech and Tecnoferrari. All have certified Ferro KeramInks for their machines. Tremendous expansion in the last two years has resulted in the installation of more than 300 inkjet machines worldwide. Ferro can assist tile manufacturers with all phases of the introduction of this approach to tile decoration. Ferro can provide global service, from technician training and assistance in selecting the appropriate installation to on-site support with technicians and designers at production start up.

Photographic image produced on ceramic tile.

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