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SLABS TECHNICAL INFO
1_PACKAGING
Special packaging has been developed to store and transport large tiles safely. Large tiles, whether all the same size or in different sizes, are loaded
into crates. All packages are dispatched full or according to individual order requests.
IT IS RECOMMENDED TO MOVE THE CRATES ONE AT A TIME.
Crate for 120x260
Cm 275 x 136 h 28, • Kg per tile 44 • tile per crate 20 • Sqm per crate 62,40
• Kg per full crate 880 • Stockability max 10 pallets in warehouse
Crate for 120x120
Cm 130 x 130 x h 58 • Kg per tile 20,30 • tile per crate 50 • Sqm per crate 72
• Kg per full crate 1015 • Stockability max 4 pallets in warehouse
Crate for 60x120
Cm 129 x 69 x h 58 • Kg per tile 10,15 • tile per crate 48 • Sqm per crate 34,46
• Kg per full crate 522 • Stockability max 4 pallets in warehouse
2_MOVING PACKAGES
Long side
This is the best option. Use forks at least 1.4 m long, set to the width that provides the best possible support for the package.
Short side
Use forks at least 2.1 m long, set to the width that provides the best possible support for the package.
LOADING TRUCKS AND CONTAINERS
To load packages into a container, you can either use a fork lift or load from the ground using ramps of suitable height.
Use straps, ties and airbags to keep the material secure during transport. When loading, always make sure that weight is distributed evenly to avoid
displacement during transport. Loading calculations must always take account of transport weight limits.
ARRANGEMENT FOR LOADING ON CONTAINERS
SIZE 120x260
CONTAINER 20’: 12 CRATES
CONTAINER 40’: 24 CRATES - PAY ATTENTION TO MAXIMUM GROSS WEIGHT
SIZE 120x120
CONTAINER 20’: 12 CRATES
CONTAINER 40’: 27 CRATES - PAY ATTENTION TO MAXIMUM GROSS WEIGHT
SIZE 60x120
CONTAINER 20’: 24 CRATES
CONTAINER 40’: 54 CRATES - PAY ATTENTION TO MAXIMUM GROSS WEIGHT
3_MOVING LARGE TILES ON SITE
ON-SITE EQUIPMENT
It is important to use suitable equipment to move large tiles on site.
Suction cups
Use vacuum pump suction cups on non-smooth or textured surfaces to ensure a firm grip during manual movement (120x120).
Use non-marking rubber suction cups on light coloured surfaces.
Suction cup bars or lifting frames with cross-bars
Applying this type of lifting device to large tiles improves rigidity and permits completely safe transport on tile trolleys (120x260).
Reinforced trolley
We recommend the use of reinforced trolleys to move tiles around large sites and to move tiles in which holes, cutouts or cuts have been made to
permit the passage of electrical cables or water pipes.
Work bench with aluminium profiles
Use a work bench with aluminium profiles to support the tiles you need to work on practically and safely. Install the work bench on a stable and level
surface. Suitable for 60x120, 120x120, 120x260.
MOVING TILES BY HAND ON SITE
To ensure operator safety, always move large tiles one at a time. At least two people are needed to move each tile, and more may be needed
depending on the weight of the tile.
Manual tile lifting kits include single suction cups for 120x120 tiles or suction cup frames for tiles of 120x260 and above.
Single suction cups
Use suction cups with individual handles only to lay a small number of tiles in ground level areas that are easily accessible and provide plenty of room
for manoeuvre. Attach the suction cup to the centre of the tile to ensure good balance when moving it.
Suction cup frames
Place the frame over the centre of the tile so that the ends of bars touch the walls of the crate. To stop the edges of the tile coming into contact
with the floor, adjust the end hooks to leave a small gap between the tile and the floor.
4_WORKING ON LARGE TILES
Accurate cuts, shapes, cutouts and holes can be made by specialist tile workshops and processing centres using cutting discs, CNC systems, water
jets and other professional equipment.
Simple jobs can be completed on site, but special attention is needed during both movement and working.
A bench of suitable size, with aluminium support profiles is ideal for cutting and drilling jobs.
CNC MACHINING (OFF-SITE)
CNC machines can perform high-precision operations on large tiles, including the forming of sink surrounds.
WATER JET MACHINING (OFF-SITE)
Water jet machines can be used for various operations including cutting, shaping and hole formation, with accurately formed corners and edges and
correct final chamfering.
EDGE FINISHING (OFF-SITE)
Automatic machines and special tools are required to finish edges. All kinds of edge should be finished using a cutter and an edge chamfering tool.
The minimum width of straight edges is 2 mm.
The minimum radius of rounded edges is 2 mm.
HOLES
Holes for accessories, taps, fittings and electrical cables must be at least 5 cm away from the edge of the tile. The minimum corner radius of internal
cutouts must be 5 mm. Outside edges should always be chamfered for maximum strength.
Instructions:
1. Position the large tile on a stable, clean and flat work bench. Keep the finished surface facing up.
2. Start the work using a diamond disc mounted on an angle grinder or drill (normal mode, not hammer). Cut the tile at an angle of about 75°.
3. Gently oscillate the tool to complete the hole. Keep the cutting disc wet to avoid overheating. Use a diamond countersink to make holes that will
remain visible.
4. On completion of work, clean the area thoroughly.
STRAIGHT CUTS
Use a cutting guide to align the cutting tool. Only use diamond cutting discs that are designed for porcelain tile and suitable for use on the machine
in question. Discs must be water cooled and speed reduced at the beginning and end of the cut. Adjust rotation and feed speed to suit the
dimensions of the disc and the nature of the cut. To obtain ‘L’ shapes, make straight cuts first and then drill a hole at the corner.
MANUAL STRAIGHT CUTS
Position the large tile you need to cut on a stable work bench of suitable size. Use a cutting guide to align a tungsten carbide cutting tool over the
line to be cut.
Instructions:
1. Lower the bar and cutting wheel on to the line to be cut.
2. Cut the ends of the tile for about 5 cm, working from the inside towards the outside.
3. Complete the cut without stopping and at constant speed and pressure.
4. Move the tile so that the line of the cut protrudes about 10-15 cm from the bench.
5. Break off one of the two ends with a pincers. Again using a pincers, apply gentle pressure to the other end to detach the entire section along the
cutting line. Two people are needed for this job to avoid the cut section falling and breaking.
6. Remove the cutting guide and smooth the remaining sharp edge of the tile with a diamond pad or resin grinder.
MANUAL CURVED CUTS
Position the large tile you need to cut on a stable work bench of suitable size. Use a cutting guide to align a tungsten carbide cutting tool over the
line to be cut.
Instructions:
1. Mark out the cutting line with a pencil.
2. Use an angle grinder with a suitable cutting disc to cut the tile along the marked line.
RECTANGULAR CUTOUTS
‘L’ or ‘C’ shaped cutouts may be required:
• on the edge of a tile, near corners or columns
• in the centre of a tile, to fit accessories, taps, electrical equipment, sinks, hobs, etc. Cutouts must be positioned at least 5 cm from the edge of the
tile and from other holes.
Instructions:
1. Position the large tile on a stable, clean and flat work bench. Keep the finished surface facing up.
2. Mark the outline of the cutout.
3. Use a drill in normal (not hammer) mode with a diamond bit or an angle grinder with a cutting disc of 6-8 mm in diameter. Proceed to make circular
holes at the inside corners of the marked cutout. The cutting tool must be cooled continuously.
4. Complete the cutout using an angle grinder with a small diameter (max. 125 mm) diamond disc to cut along the straight edges.
5_PREPARING THE SURFACE AND APPLYING ADHESIVE
Before applying adhesive, make sure that the back of the tile is perfectly clean and free from ceramic powder and engobe.
Make all necessary 45° corner tile cuts before applying adhesive.
To clean the tiles, use a sponge damped in a water and detergent solution.
The adhesive must cover the entire surface and be of uniform thickness.
To achieve this condition use the technique of double application.
Apply adhesive in straight lines parallel with the short side of the tile.
This permits air to escape more easily. Start by applying adhesive to the back of the tile using a square toothed spatula with teeth no smaller than 3
mm. Proceed parallel with the short side of the tile, taking care to cover the entire back of the tile, including the corners. Now apply adhesive to the
substrate using a slant ridge spatula with teeth of at least 10 mm, proceeding in the same direction as for the back of the tile and taking care not to
leave any area uncovered. Facing tiles should be applied with the aid of an additional mechanical support.
Use a class C2-S1/S2 adhesive on floors. For walls, use a class T adhesive with reduced vertical slip. Always choose the type of adhesive best suited to
the substrate.
6_INSTALLATION
Before you start installing tiles, make sure that the lot is of sufficient quantity and of the right colour and thickness. Follow all the rules and
