Ceramics
Neolith (Spain) doubles its output capacity with the new SACMI FMA «Maestro», the most technologically advanced kiln on the market

Neolith (Spain) doubles its output capacity with the new SACMI FMA «Maestro», the most technologically advanced kiln on the market

As it continues to focus on innovation and cutting-edge technology, Neolith has now gone for SACMI’s latest kiln, the best solution on the market for firing large surface areas and high-end 1600x3200 mm products. Completing the order is SACMI’s EUP pre-kiln.

This investment sees Neolith conclude its current phase of expansion, allowing it to double output capacity and respond to growing worldwide demand for its products while engaging in sustainable manufacturing with state-of-the-art technology.

Neolith, the world’s leading sintered stone brand, is all about developing technologically and aesthetically innovative surfaces to provide ground-breaking architectural solutions. That’s why it recently purchased the new FMA «Maestro» kiln by SACMI, the world's leading provider of ceramic-making technology. This new kiln completes the industrial expansion plan announced a year ago and has led to a doubling of output capacity for the most popular large product size (1600x3200 mm), which is sold in over 100 countries.
 
Already a SACMI partner in the Body Preparation department, where modular grinding and spray drying take place, this Castellón de la Plana-based company has now opted for a new SACMI kiln as part of a focus on sustainable growth with cutting-edge products. The company deemed the kiln to be ‘the very best on the market’, especially when it comes to managing products with high added value. This outstanding performance has been achieved thanks to first-rate controls that allow precision management of every stage (especially the critical cooling phase).
 
José Luis Ramón, CEO of the Neolith Group, believes it’s essential “to have the best available technology, as this ensures we’re able to satisfy the needs of thousands and thousands of people every day, from architects and designers to end consumers. It follows that going for nothing less than cutting-edge technology - which also ensures we optimize things on the energy, sustainability and corporate solidity fronts - is a priority for us”. He also points out that “we’re proud to be able to say we’ve chosen the SACMI kiln, as it offers the option that best matches our current needs”.

Mirco Berengari, SACMI Regional Manager for Europe and President of SACMI Iberica, states “It’s a privilege for SACMI to be able to supply Neolith with the most advanced firing technology, just as we did with the spray drying plant when we delivered, among other things, the spray dryers and mills”. He goes on to say that “Being part of the success of a company like Neolith, especially at a time like now, and upping their production capacity by delivering technological progress is a huge motivator, driving us to pursue further improvements every day.”

Advantages of the SACMI-FMA «Maestro» kiln
 
The supplied kiln, a 228.9-metre FMA 235, incorporates all the general advantages of the SACMI Maestro range. A higher percentage of first-class products, less consumption and fewer unburnt residues are the hallmarks of the «Maestro» range, which SACMI has equipped with a new generation of high-performance burners.
A solution specially designed for the efficient control of big-size slab firing and to ensure optimal management of the mechanical tensions typically generated at the end of firing

To distribute heat evenly over the entire big-size slab surface/cross-section and ensure perfect planarity, Maestro features dual rapid-slow cooling, burners positioned underneath the roller planes and dedicated ceramic blowers for the kiln center and walls. Moreover, dedicated controls (e.g. automatic valves and blowers) let users set recipe-specific parameters to maximize flexibility and repeatability and ensure good reactivity to changes in operating conditions.
 
Neolith has selected the modulated air-gas solution. On the FMA, users can adjust the air-gas ratio in the various zones independently. Temperature control is performed by simultaneously adjusting air and gas flow rates; their ratio is adjusted mechanically. This means that for each burner group the air-gas combustion ratio remains constant not only as the set temperature varies, but also as load conditions vary, with clear advantages in terms of versatility and efficiency.

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