The comprehensive ceramic product digital decoration solutions developed by Intesa-Sacmi have won the trust of Rak Ceramics, one of the world’s biggest, most important ceramic industry players which has an annual output capacity of 117 million square metres, facilities worldwide and distribution networks capable of reaching more than 160 countries.
The eight DHD digital decorators currently installed in the Group’s facilities will now be joined by a further 6 machines, bringing the total number of solutions supplied to Rak Ceramics to 14 (including the one incorporated on the recently supplied all-new Continua+ line). Rak Ceramics’ investment decision was swayed by Intesa-Sacmi’s ability to supply not only the digital printer but also the pre-print software for processing the images prior to their transfer onto the product.
Pre-print image piloting and management systems are crucial: Intesa-Sacmi has responded to this need by developing CHRONO 3.0 colour management software. This was developed entirely by Sacmi, starting with the specific characteristics of the ceramic production process, the different stages of which (e.g. glazing and firing) contribute significantly to the colour forming process. Hence Rak Ceramics’s decision to take advantage of Sacmi’s capacity – shared by few others in the industry - to supply not just the machine but an entire plant management system with advanced pre and after-sales support services.
All the digital printers provided - DHD 708 models with an effective printing width of up to 697 mm and a resolution up to 360 dpi - are also equipped with advanced remote assistance software that lets specialised Sacmi technicians interact with the machine, anywhere in the world.
This latest order has strengthened Intesa-Sacmi’s role within the Rak Ceramics Group, demonstrating Sacmi’s skills not just as a machine supplier but also as an all-round partner for the implementation of "turnkey" systems and services, from image processing to production and storage of decorated slabs.