ORIGIN

FINISHED PRODUCTS STANDARDS

According to the ISO-13006 specifications standard, our products belong to the following groups:

• PORCELAIN TILES

Group Bla, dry-pressed tiles, with a rate of water absorption, E < = 0,5%

• FLOOR TILES

Group Blla, dry-pressed tiles, 3 < E < = 0,6%

•  WALL TILES

Group Blll, dry-pressed tiles, E > 10%

TEST STANDARDS

- ISO 10545-2 : Determination of dimensions.

Sets for the methods for determining dimensional characteristics (lenght, width, thickness, straightness of sides, rectangularity and surface planarity)

- ISO 10545-3 : Determination of water absorption.

Water absorption is a measure of the greater or lesser rate of porosity of the tile body.The test determines the amount absorbed by pieces after being submerged in boiling water for two hours. The rate of water absorption is expresed as a % with respect to the dry mass of pieces.

- ISO 10545-4 : Determination of bending strength.

A tile’s bending strenght is determined by applying a force on the middle of the topside of the piece. The force applied is increased until the tile breaks. Bending trenght is expressed in N/mm2.

- ISO 10545-7 : Determination of the surface abrasion resistance of glazed tiles.

The resistance of the glazed layer of tiles to abrasion is determined by applying a rotating abrasive load on the tile surface and visually inspecting pieces that have undergone testing against those that have not. Clasification ranges from PEI 1 to 5.

In order to determine the suitability of ceramic floor tles, their wear resistance must be know. This influenced by not only the characteristics of tiles, but also by the place were they will be installed. The presence of abrasive materials (sand, gravel, etc.) and locations in areas with direct outdoor acces are factors wich shorten the lifespan of floor tiles.

Our floor tiles have been classified into five groups, which determine their resistanceto abrasion and wear:

PEI 1: Floor tiles exposed to light traffic, on wich soft-soled footwear is used , free from abrasive products. Recommended in bedrooms and bathrooms in private homes, with no direct outside entry.

PEI 2: Floor tiles exposed to average to light traffic, on which soft-soled footwear is used. Recommended for all rooms in single family homes except kitchens, entranceways, stairways and terraces.

PEI 3: Floor tiles exposed to average to traffic, on wich normal footwear is used. Recommended for all rooms in private homes and hotels, except for common areas such as stairways, entrances, etc.

PEI 4: Floor tiles exposed to average to heavy traffic. Recommended for all types of single-family homes and multiunit dwellings, terraces, kitchens, business premises and offices. Not belonging to this group are all public places exposed to intense traffic such a tobacconists’, news stands, bakeries, bar areas, public transport stations, etc.

PEI 5: Floor tiles adapted to highly intense traffic. Recommended in shopping centres, train/bus stations, airports, etc.

-EN-101 : Surface hardness. Surface hardness determines the capacity of resistance of the glazed surface toscratching. Tiles are classified on a scale of 1 to 10 based on the increasing hardness of the minerals used to scratch their surface. The MOHS hardness scale is a follows:

- ISO 10545-11 : Determination of crazing resistance.

Determination of the resistance to the formation of fissures in the glazedd layer by subjecting whole tiles to steam at a pressure of 5 kg/cm^2 in an autoclave after wich a dye is applied to the glazed layer and tiles are examined to detect possible fissures.

- ISO 10545-12 : Determination of frost resistance.

This establishes a method whereby whole tiles are soaked in water and then undergo 100 freezing-thaw cycles, between +5ºC and -5ºC.

- DIN-51130 : Determination of the critical slippage angle.

- ISO 10545-8 : Determination of linear thermal expansion.

Determination of the linear thermal expansion coefficient for the interval between the ambient temperature and 100ºC.

- ISO 10545-13 : Determination of chemical resistance. This test determines the chemical resistance of tiles to cleaning agents, swimming pool additives, acid and alkalis, except for hydrofluoric acid (HF) and its compounds.

The visual classification for cleaning agents and swimming pool additives is as follows:

GA - When there is no visible effect (a slight change in colour is not considered asa chemical attack)

GB - When appearance is modified.

GC - When trere is a partial or complete alteration of the original surface.

The visual classification for acids and alkalis goes from GLA, GLB to GLC, depending on the degree of chemical resistance.