When something new turns out to be truly revolutionary in any industry, it’s a rare event. But digital inkjet technology has done just that in the ceramic tile industry. This new technology has allowed tile manufacturers to make their products look like just about anything they want – with fewer materials, less waste and less development and production time than conventional processes. This new method of creating the looks of tile is positioned to alter the way porcelain tile is designed forever.
Digital Inkjet Technology Defined
Digital printing is a method of printing in which data and images are printed directly from a computer onto a surface. The familiar digital printer that’s used in homes and offices employs this digital printing technique, though likely not as the extremely high resolutions and capacities of these powerhouse versions.
Ink jet-printing is a non-impact printing technology that uses droplets of ink jetted from a small aperture to a specified area on a surface to create an image. Four colors (cyan, magenta, yellow and black) are combined in various ways to create virtually any color needed.
How Tiles are Printed
In the tile industry, this digital inkjet printing process turns photographs, artwork, designs, logos or virtually any image into elaborately decorated wall or floor tiles. Because digital inkjet printing is non-contact, tiles exit the machine as quickly as they enter, with photographic-quality reproduction. The decoration is applied all the way to the edge of each tile, and manufacturers can achieve nearly infinite design variability. The standard ink-jet printing machine is equipped with enough memory to create a unique pattern that is large enough to decorate about thirty 12 by 12 inch tiles in a row before a design has to be repeated. If a larger design space is desired (to reproduce the look of a large slab of marble, for example), additional memory can be added. The possibilities for digital technology are endless!
Digital Technology and Design Trends
Digital graphics allow tile manufacturers to combine the natural look of materials such as marble, stone, and wood with the economy, durability, and maintenance advantages of porcelain. Nearly any shade of color, texture, or pattern that can be imagined can presumably be achieved. And, combined with newer glaze technologies and partnered with more traditional tile creation techniques, manufacturers are producing tile products that are incredibly realistic and unique.
Another design trend recently spawned by the advent of digital inkjet printing technology is the emergence of abstract patterning inspired by nature, as opposed to directly copying natural elements. In addition to tile designs that realistically interpret natural materials, we’re seeing designs with the movement and tones abstracted from natural materials.
Advantages of Digital Technology
Digital printing technology has definitely brought about an era of high quality design possibilities. Consumers are still looking for a natural product appearance and are willing to use these graphic products to achieve that look because of durability, easy maintenance, sustainability and often, cost. Digital printing technology has made tile design and decoration easier, less time-consuming and less costly, giving manufacturers the chance to increase their range of products and designs while remaining competitive. This revolution is a win-win for all.
Here’s a look at some of our GIO Tile products with realistic, as well as abstract, designs created by digital inkjet printing technology.
Click on photos to view the entire collections!
GIO is your gateway to beautifully designed, strategically selected collections of floor and wall tile sure to fit your demanding specification requirements and unique style. We look forward to working with you!
