Blog

In Valencia at Cevisama 2019, the dominant trend for ceramic tile decoration was a neutral palette of earth tones ranging from beiges and greys to dark granites. Three main categories of tile design were evident at the show: marble, concrete and wood grain. The design trends seen at Cevisama are all consistent with the Xaar 2001+ printhead’s capability for exceptional ceramic tile decoration.

Cersaie, which takes place in Bologna each September, is the place where anyone connected to selling ceramic tiles goes to see the latest tile design trends – what will be hot for the coming year? 

The number one talking point at Ceramics China 2016 has been "Polished Tiles".  These are hard wearing, high gloss tiles that are used in commercial heavy "traffic" locations such as shopping malls and public buildings. There is a healthy market for these tiles in China and India.

We had a fantastic week at Tecnargilla 2014 showcasing the new Xaar 1002 GS40, Xaar 001 and XPM.  With some beautiful tiles on display, we demonstrated the different effects that can be achieved with our printheads. The Xaar 1002 GS40 allows ceramic tile producers to digitally apply strong, heavy-pigment colours and glazes, and to create textures in order to significantly expand the range of 'added-value' tile designs on offer. TheXaar 001 enables the application of decorative coloured glazes, structure and flood glazes.  Ceramic tile manufacturers can now use digital techniques to create exciting new tile designs that stand out from the competition whilst benefitting from leading edge tile production efficie​​ncy.

Inkjet printing has revolutionised the global ceramic tile decoration industry over a relatively short time. This is an amazing achievement for an industry that for many years traditionally produced either plain or unsophisticated patterned tiles using screen printing and had little use for computers. The conversion of production lines to digital decoration is set to continue as it offers such great economic benefits, but what are the next challenges with ceramic tile decoration and where else can digital inkjet technology provide benefits?Increased colour space​