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Full polished glazed tile upgrade
In 2013, a notable trend emerged in the ceramic industry, particularly among pottery enterprises. Many of these companies began experimenting with thick polished glaze at their full-glazed production sites. This process involved the R&D teams from glaze companies conducting small-scale trials by applying thicker layers of glaze to the tiles. The result was a new product known as "thick polished glaze," which marked an upgrade from traditional full-glazed tiles.
The manufacturing process of thick polished glaze involves modifying the standard glaze formula and increasing the amount of glaze used in the bell jar device—typically two to four times more than the usual quantity. After drying, the glazed bodies are fired in the kiln, and then polished using a combination of rigid and elastic modules to achieve a glaze layer thickness of 0.6 to 0.8 mm. Unlike microcrystalline stone, thick polished glaze is made through a firing process starting from raw materials.
One of the main issues with regular full-glazed tiles was the "corrugated surface" effect, often visible under light reflection. Thick polished glaze addressed this problem by enhancing the flatness, wear resistance, and anti-staining properties of the tiles, resulting in a more vivid and three-dimensional appearance.
However, producing thick polished glaze proved to be more complex than making regular full-glazed products. Issues like glaze bubbles and unstable firing conditions became major challenges. Ceramic companies had to adjust their formulas, kiln settings, and production systems to ensure consistent quality. Despite these difficulties, many enterprises were eager to launch thick polished glaze to differentiate their products and maintain market competitiveness.
Glaze companies also played a crucial role in supporting the development of this new product. According to one technician, over 90% of glaze companies invested in research and development for thick polished glaze that year. In regions like Gao’an and Zibo, technical services were provided to ceramic enterprises, and testing of thick polished glaze was conducted around the clock.
A large ceramics company even brought in three different glaze suppliers to test the project. The competition for equipment and resources became intense, with teams working in shifts to meet tight deadlines. Despite the challenges, the demand for thick polished glaze remained high, driven by the need for product differentiation and improved aesthetics.
Industry experts believe that thick polished glaze addresses key shortcomings of traditional full-glazed tiles. By increasing the glaze layer thickness, it enhances visual appeal and durability. However, the lack of standardized definitions and clear production guidelines remains a barrier to widespread adoption.
While some companies have made progress, mass production is still not fully achieved. The term "thick polished glaze" is often used differently across the industry, with various names like "false microcrystalline" or "ultra-flat glaze" being applied. This lack of uniformity complicates consumer understanding and market growth.
Despite the hurdles, many companies remain committed to the project. Some have even experimented with secondary firing processes to improve glaze consistency. Although failures occurred, the enthusiasm for innovation has not waned.
Looking ahead, the industry expects that with continued collaboration between ceramic and glaze companies, thick polished glaze will eventually become a mainstream product. It represents not just a thicker glaze layer, but a significant technological advancement that meets evolving consumer demands. As the market becomes more competitive, innovation and cooperation will be key to achieving success.