The diagram illustrates the steps involved in manufacturing of ceramic tiles. Overall, the production of ceramic tiles involves two main stages: the preparation of raw materials and tile manufacturing. The entire process is highly mechanised and follows a linear sequence, starting with mixing clay and water, and ending with the packaging of finished tiles.
Initially, to prepare the raw materials, clay and water are mixed and ground to form a moist slurry. Later, the moisture is removed using a filter press and it is passed through a spray dryer to produce a powder. Once completed, the tile press shapes the powder to form a tile.
After the powder is pressed into tiles, it is stored in a drying chamber for 1 to 3 days at approximately 100°C to 200°C, initiating the second stage. Eventually, the coating is applied in the glazing machine. Finally, the prepared tiles are moved through the kiln for 20 to 30 minutes at a high temperature nearly 1000°C to 1250°C to get the final complete ceramic tile.