The process of creating graphics on tile products has come a long way in the past 20 years or so. Back in the 1980s, most tile manufacturers used silk screens to apply the glazes that created the graphics, which was a lengthy process since the screens could only be used to produce a single color and required that the tile be rotated during the installation in order to create a uniformed look. The 1990s brought about the introduction of the Roto-color process, which allowed for a pattern that didn’t repeat for 20-30 tiles, according to Florida Tile.
As technology has progressed, the process for adding graphics to ceramic and porcelain tiles has become even more efficient, thanks to the development of digital print, or inkjet, technology. This process, in short, allows for manufacturers to take many digital images of different types of marble, stone, and wood, and then imprint those images on the surface of the ceramic or porcelain tile. The result is a superior product that doesn’t stain and looks exactly like the real thing, which are major factors that draw homeowners to these products, as well as the fact that inkjet printed porcelain tile tends to cost less than real natural stone.
Florida Tile is one manufacturer that has branded its own inkjet printing technology, calling it High Definition Printing. Their process allows for the production of a pattern that is eight times the variation of the Roto-color process and is not repeated for 180’ or more, yielding better resolution quality.
Below are a few photos of digital or inkjet printed products.
If you’re curious to learn more about digital/inkjet print technology, visit the Florida Tile website. Of course, you can always contact Conestoga Tile. We’ll be happy to share more information with you and address your questions.