the coefficient of friction measures the resistance of ceramic tiles to slipperiness. There are different methods used to calculate it: B.C.R.A. METHOD (measures the coefficient of dynamic friction (μ) that a surface must meet in order to be classified as anti-slip); ASTM C1028 METHOD (the American ASTM method measures the coefficient of static friction; DIN 51130 – DIN 51097 METHODS (the German DIN methods, often used in Italy, also called “ramp tests” or “inclined platform tests”). 

this term refers to a type of surface finish of wall tiles characterized by a soft, opaque and sometimes iridescent surface. It differs from the Glossy surface finish as the latter has a bright and mirror-like effect.

a chromatic tone that characterizes a specific lot of ceramic tiles. The shade is often indicated with a letter and stamped on the packaging; it is one of the most important pieces of information to check during delivery as shade can vary from one lot to another.

a component of clay that determines its resistance and hardness.

process in which glaze and clay are fired at the same time. Before the development of single-firing in the 80’s, the most common method was double-firing. The new technology allowed for the creation of a thinner product, reducing production and transport costs. Single-fired tiles are more resistant and can be used in commercial areas subject to high traffic.

porcelain stoneware trim tile for floors, used as a cladding for the walls that are in contact with the ceramic flooring. The skirting can be profiled and used for stairs in contact with walls, its profiling adapts to the trends of the stair itself.

watery suspension resulting from the wet milling of raw materials into continuous mills when water and raw materials are mixed.

trim tile for wall cladding, ceramic element mounted at the base of internal walls with a decorative function.

the structural features describe the structure of the material that constitutes the tile. The main feature is water absorption. Absorption occurs through pores in the material, the water absorption level determines the porosity of a tile. The water absorption value is referred to the body and not to the ceramic tile surface; therefore, in the case of glazed products its does not refer to the glaze as it is a vitreous water-proof, non-porous covering.

the surface finish is a special manufacturing process that ceramic tiles undergo to obtain a certain surface effect, leading to different aesthetic and technical properties.

these features refer to the surface of use of ceramic tiles in relation to resistance to scratching, and deterioration (use) due to hard bodies moving on the surface itself. These features are mainly affecting floor tiles. The most important one is abrasion resistance.