Sacmi has taken two steps to break this rule with successful results. The body – developed in collaboration with Imerys, the multi-national French company specialized in the supply of industrial raw materials – was specially created for the production of low temperature porcelain. This explains the new “firing curves” proposed by Sacmi, which mean the finished product can be achieved in a single cycle at 1250 degrees in a reducing atmosphere eliminating the need for double firing.

The product quality characteristics are exactly the same as those which can be obtained through the traditional double firing process. In particular - as demonstrated by Sacmi at the recent Ceramitec fair in Munich where the innovation was officially launched - the finished product is identical in terms of resistance to wear, water absorption, shininess, colour, resistance to chipping at the edges, tensile strength and resistance to stratches.

What are the advantages of single firing? Clearly the main benefit is the possibility of using just one kiln. Also, the supports made of technical ceramics used to hold the plate during firing, which are usually made of silicon carbide, can be replaced by supports made of the cheaper material cordierite. These will have a working life which is twice as long since the number of firing cycles is halved. Other advantages can be seen during the lifting and handling stages but, above all, the Sacmi Smart Porcelain line means, over all, 25-30% energy savings in terms of gas and electricity consumption compared to the traditional double firing lines.