What is the Vitrification?Ans :- Some definitions is as under :-

To change or make into glass or a glassy substance, especially through heat fusion. Vitrification is the transition of a substance into a glass. Vitrification (noun) is the process of melting that clay and glazes go through as they are

fired to maturity. In a fully matured clay body, the spaces between refractory particles are completely filled up with glass, fusing the particles together and making the clay body impervious to water.

Vitreous (adjective) is the state of either being or becoming vitrified. Vitrify (verb) is the activity of becoming vitreous.

Process of vitrification Vitrification takes place at different temperatures for different clay bodies. The glaze was becoming too vitreous and might begin to melt off the sides of the pot. That clay body is still too porous; you need to vitrify it by firing it at a higher

temperature.

What is vitrified tile

Vitrified tile is a tile which has been processed in such a way that it has very very low porosity (and water absorption) which make it stain resistant and very strong.

Is vitrified tile better than marble or granite?

Vitrified Tiles have far superior properties compared to marble or natural granite because being a manufactured product their quality is controlled whereas in naturally occurring marble and granite good quality is just a coincidence. Vitrified tiles posses much better mechanical strength, scratch resistance, resistance to acids, alkalies and chemicals, resistance to staining etc compared to marble or natural granite.

Marble has a relatively lower abrasion resistance compared to vitrified tiles. It is calcium carbonate which is strongly attached by Hydrochloric acid which is commonly used in toilet & floor cleaning. It yellows over extended time duration whereas vitrified tiles retain their colour for decades.

Polished natural granite shows several surface defects and a good quality is just a matter of chance whereas vitrified tiles are guaranteed for consistent good quality. Marble laying is very cumberrsom and time consuming whereas vitrified tiles may be laid in a matter of hours and put to use after 48 hours.

Except for this article were taken from www.asiangranito.com

What needs to be studied here is the cost factor. Apparently the Vitrified tiles seem to have an advantage and also durability to command a higher price.

But are we willing to shell that extra money for aesthetics and maintenance sake is the million dollar question.

Marble vs. Vitrified Tiles

Natural marble texture image by Andrejs Pidjass from Fotolia.com

Two of the most frequently used tiles in homes today are marble and vitrified tiles. Both materials can give you a sleek and modern, or a polished and elegant, installation. The look of the tiles themselves, as well as their aftercare, is dramatically different. Understanding the properties of both materials can help you choose the one that's right for your home.

Marble

Marble is a metamorphic rock made up of calcite. It was created from limestone under tremendous pressure and heat, and is therefore hard enough to take a high polish on its surface. Quarried in large blocks around the world, marble tiles will vary in color and pattern from piece to piece and from lot to lot. The tiles will also vary slightly in size, since marble tiles are made from leftover pieces of marble block and slab.

Marble will vary in price from approximately $7 to $50 depending on the type, color and rarity of the stone.

Vitrified Tiles

Vitrified tiles are a man-made product produced by compacting clay dust under enormous pressure into molds. The resulting form is then fired to a high temperature, rendering the tile extremely hard and dense with low water absorption. This method of production means that each tile is perfectly uniform in size and shape. Colors, pattern and finish will vary by manufacturer and can include glazed and unglazed tiles with polished, leather, fabric and metal finishes.

Pricing of vitrified tiles begins around $15 a square foot and can go up to $40 a square foot for some mosaics.

Marble Tile Appearance

Marble tiles have a natural beauty unmatched by man-made products. The tiles will have natural veins, spots and variation of color; no two will ever be exactly alike. Whether the tiles are polished, honed or tumbled, they will have to be installed with a grout joint. This grout joint can vary from 1/16,inch for a polished marble to 1/4,inch for a tumbled marble and is necessary to disguise the slight variation in the size of the tiles.

Vitrified Tiles Appearance

Vitrified tiles can take on many different shapes, styles and finishes. They can be glazed as wall tiles, or left unglazed as floor tiles. One of the benefits of a vitrified tile is the ability to install it without grout joints if you so desire. The tiles are perfectly uniform in size, will not vary and are durable enough to not become damaged in the event of flex or movement.

Care of Marble Tile

Marble tile, like all natural stone, is porous. It should be sealed on a regular basis with an impregnating sealer, particularly in wet areas. Stone cleaners or mild detergents should be used, and the stone should be dried off whenever possible in shower areas.

Care of Vitrified Tiles

Vitrified tiles have a very low water absorption rate. This means they will not stain or absorb spills or water. They are also extremely hard and difficult to scratch, making them perfect for high traffic areas. Vitrified tiles can be washed with any tile cleaner and method.

Difference Between Ceramic & Vitrified Tiles

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Ceramic tiles are much more porous than vitrified versions

While many people have heard about ceramic tiles and use them for counters, floors and walls in their

houses, homeowners may be confused about vitrified tiles, what they are, and what benefits they offer. While

vitrified tiles are often a little more expensive per square foot than ceramic tile, they also offer a much harder,

much less porous surface.

Ceramic

1. Ceramic tiles are made from ordinary clay that is molded into tile shapes, then glazed to give it a sheen and a color. The tiles are fired in a kiln to harden them, and then sold commercially. They can come in a variety of sizes and colors.

Vitrified

2. Vitrified tiles are made like ceramic tiles, but with a different type of clay that is heated at different temperatures, literally developing glass inside the tile itself. The glass component makes the tile hard and extremely resistant to any type of absorption, similar to porcelain tile but using different ingredients and a different method.

Composition

3. Vitrified tile manufacturers use a combination of clay, quartz, feldspar and sand mixed into a mixer. A dye is added to give the entire mixture color. The mixture is dried, cut, and then fired in a kiln. If the vitrified tile is being stamped or finished in a special way, they are screen-printed before being exposed to heat.

Outdoors

4. Because vitrified tiles are so much less porous than ceramic tiles, they are much more suitable for outdoor applications. Outside, water soaks into ceramic tile, then freezes in colder climates, expanding and cracking the tile. Vitrified tile resists water penetration with an absorption rate of 0.5

percent, enough to last much longer than ceramic versions. Vitrified or porcelain tile should be used outside instead of ceramics.

Glazes

5. Ceramic tile is glazed to help protect it against wear and water. Vitrified tiles do not need to be glazed, and since they have a dye mixed in with their ingredients, their color permeates the tile itself. Instead of glazing, manufacturers either polish vitrified tiles or sell them without a sheen.

Installation

6. Since ceramic tiles are more absorbent than vitrified versions, they absorb adhesive more easily, which makes it easier to bond them onto floors and counters. Vitrified tiles require a stronger adhesive to bond to their smooth, nonporous surfaces and create a lasting connection to the base substance.

Differences Between Floor Tiles & Wall Tiles

By Susan Leisure, eHow Contributor

updated: April 1, 2010

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Tiles are available in a wide variety of materials, shapes and colors. However, not all tiles are suitable

for all surfaces. Learn about the differences between floor and wall tiles to avoid installing the wrong type of

tile.

Differences in Ratings

1.

Floor tiles have higher P.E.I. ratings than wall tiles.

The National Floor Covering Alliance utilizes a P.E.I. Wear Rating System to calculate the durability of tiles.Generally, floor tiles in most areas of the house and in all commercial settings should have a P.E.I rating of 3, 4, or 5. Most wall tiles will have a rating of 0, 1 or 2.

Differences in Finishes

2.

Uneven tiles are often more appropriately used as wall tiles than as floor tiles.

Wall tiles are generally smoother and slicker than floor tiles, especially when wet. Often, floor tiles will be textured in order to make them safer to walk on, and more slip-resistant. Wall tiles may also have an uneven finish, which would make them inappropriate for use on the floor.

Differences in Thickness

3. Floor tiles are generally much thicker than wall tiles. Floor tiles need to be thick enough to withstand foot traffic, heavy furniture and impact from falling objects. Because wall tiles need not absorb any of these stresses, they can be thinner and more fragile.

Differences in Glazing

4. Floor tiles must either be manufactured with a glaze---or capable of absorbing a glaze---to make them waterproof. Wall tiles are usually glazed with a semi-gloss or matte finish, and may be too porous as a result. Porous wall tiles should not be used in a backsplash.

Differences in Size

5.

Large tiles are more suited for floors, while smaller tiles are more appropriate for walls.

Both floor and wall tiles are available in a wide range of sizes. Some decorative tiles may be as small as 1" x 1", while some larger tiles may be as big as 3' x 3' or larger. Generally, the commercial mortar that adheres tiles to the surface cannot hold tiles larger than 12" x 12" on a wall. Larger tiles attached to walls will require specially formulated mortar.

What Is the Difference Between Ceramic Wall & Floor Tiles?

By Sarabeth Asaff, eHow Contributor

updated: June 17, 2010

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Wall tiles are made of different material than floor tiles.

With modern tile design stipulating the use of large floor tiles on the walls of showers, bathroom walls

and backsplashes, the line between floor and wall tile has become blurred. This may lead to confusion with

some homeowners as to what designates a tile as "wall" or "floor" and when tiles can be used in various

applications. While floor tiles are fine for wall use, wall tiles are not necessarily good for floors.

Wall Tile Manufacturing

1. Wall tiles, designated for use solely on the walls, are typically made from a material called slip. Slip is a mixture made from dried, crushed clay and mixed with water. The resulting material is a liquid clay that can be poured into molds.

Wall tiles made of slip are thin and porous. They are dried and covered with a thin glaze before being fired to high temperatures.

Floor Tile Manufacturing

2. Ceramic floor tiles can be made of wet clay that is extruded or molded on machines, or of compressed clay dust. The resulting tile is thicker and denser than ceramic tiles made of slip, giving them more durability. Ceramic floor tiles may be fired in a kiln once for light residential use, or twice for heavy, commercial use.

Wall Tile Glazes

3. Wall tiles can be glazed in one of three glaze types--the typical, glossy glaze, a crackled or crazed finish or a flat, matte finish. Glossy glazes are thin and brittle, as well as slick when wet. Using them on a floor may result in chips, cracks or breakage in the glaze, exposing the porous clay beneath.

Crackled glaze is fragile, since these cracks go straight through the glaze to the tile below. If used on the floor, they can collect dirt, stains or result in chips.

Matte glazed wall tiles may be used occasionally on floors in light traffic situations, but always check with the manufacturer before doing so.

Floor Tile Glazes

4. Ceramic floor tile glazes are typically matte or textured in finish to help prevent slips and falls. The glaze on a floor tile also is fired to a much higher temperature, resulting in a more durable glaze that is less likely to crack, chip or scratch in high-traffic areas.

Sizes of Ceramic Tiles

5. Ceramic wall tiles are most commonly made in a handful of sizes including four-inch, 4 1/4-inch, 3-by-6-inch, six-inch and eight-inch. Ceramic floor tiles are more commonly found in larger sizes, from six inches to 24 inches. This is because of the thickness of the floor tiles; they can support larger sizes without breaking the way a thin wall tile would.

What Is Glazed Porcelain Tile?

By Corey M. Mackenzie, eHow Contributor

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You've probably seen glazed porcelain tile at some point, although you may not have known that was

what you were seeing. Common to bathrooms (especially around showers and bathtubs) and kitchens (as a

back splash), glazed porcelain is admired for its glossy beauty and durability. The glazed finish covers the

natural porous surface of the tile. Even though mold and mildew can be a problem with the grout in between

the tiles, the tile surface itself holds up well in wet areas.

Features

1. Porcelain tiles are made of porcelain clay that has been fired at high heat. Porcelain tile is sold in matte, polished or glazed finishes. Glazed tile has a layer of glaze, which is usually colored, applied during the manufacturing process. This gives the tiles a high-gloss appearance.

Size

2. Porcelain tiles are usually sold as 6-inch, 12-inch or 18-inch squares. They come in boxes marked according to how many square feet each box of tile will cover. If you are buying these tiles, keep in mind that some may get broken during installation. It is a good idea to buy more than you think you'll need.

Benefits

3. Glazed porcelain tiles resist stains and water. They are hard-wearing, making them good for kitchen counter tops, bathrooms and other areas where scratch, stain and water resistance is a must.

Drawbacks

4. Glazed porcelain tile is more costly than other kinds of ceramic tile, and certainly is more expensive than vinyl. Glazed porcelain, although sometimes used for flooring, is also more slippery than other kinds of porcelain tile. Hard objects (heavy cookware or tools, for example) striking or falling on porcelain tiles may chip them. These chips may be deep enough to show the underlying porcelain--which can be noticeable because the color of glazed tiles is only in the glaze, and not through the depth of the tile.

Cleaning

5. Glazed porcelain is easy to clean--usually a damp mop is sufficient. Occasional cleaning with a mild cleaner, suitable for porcelain (non-acidic, as this may harm the finish) is sometimes necessary. The grout, however, can get easily stained. Sealing the grout may prevent this.

The Advantages of Marble Flooring

By Tuesday Fuller, eHow Contributor

updated: May 12, 2010

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1.

Example of marble flooring

Marble flooring has long been the standard in quality and beauty. In addition, marble flooring has maintained the highest level of regal elegance and has been considered the flooring choice of the social elite for hundreds of years. Marble flooring, despite its hefty price tag, has several advantages worth noting when selecting new flooring for your home.

Beauty

2. Available in several styles with varying degrees of colored grains that run through, marble flooring is one of the most visually pleasing flooring materials on the market. Marble flooring can complement any design theme and color palette. In addition to its natural beauty, marble flooring can be polished for a completely smooth finish like glass that brilliantly displays the marble's unique crystals. It may also be honed for a flatter matte-like finish to subdue its glossy surface, which may work better for those looking for a more rustic, yet natural look. Marble, however, does require some extra maintenance to ensure that it retains its beautiful finish as well as resistant qualities. Overall, though, marble flooring remains one of the most popular materials for flooring.

Durability

3. In homes with children and pets, no flooring material offers quite the level of durability as marble flooring. Resistant to scratches from toys and claws, marble flooring maintains its beautiful finish through any game the kids bring to its surface. Because freshly installed marble flooring is sealed with a stain- and water-resistant coat, it endures the common messes caused from juice spills and puppy messes. In addition to its stain resistance, marble flooring is easy to clean, requiring a daily sweep and a wash with clean water to remove dirt. Marble floors need to be sealed every year or so depending on the amount of traffic the flooring undergoes. Homeowners should avoid using chemicals to clean marble unless specifically designed for marble.

Hypoallergenic

4. Unlike carpeting, which captures and holds millions of dust, mold and dander particles, marble flooring is extremely hypoallergenic. In addition, marble flooring resists mold and mildew as well

as other forms of bacterial growth. In homes with chronic allergy sufferers, marble flooring is a sensible alternative to traditional carpeting.

Thermal Conductivity

5. Marble does not conduct heat as carpet or tile flooring do. It remains cool no matter the temperature, making it an ideal choice for homes built in tropical regions. For those who love the look of marble but need to have a floor that provides some level of heat, there are cables and other forms of heating systems that install under the flooring to provide heat throughout the marble, increasing its comfort level and making it a feasible flooring choice for homeowners in colder regions.

FAQS

What is the water absorption capacity of the various tiles?Ans : Vitrified 0.05%Ceramic Floor Tiles 5%Ceramic Wall Tiles 12%Marble 0.02%

What is the breaking capability of various products or what is MOR(Modulus of Rupture)?Ans :- Vitrified 450 Kg/cm2

Ceramic Floor 350 Kg/cm2Marble 550 Kg/cm2

What is the “Abrasion resistance or( Walking Friction”) or MOHS Scale?Ans :-Vitrified Tile Rank is to be between 0-10

Soluble Salt 4Marble 4Grestek 5Quartz 6

HARDEST IS DAIMOND 9

The tiles are tested in machine where steel balls are rotated on the tile body. The RPM determines the MOH’S scale of the tiles

What is CGCRI?Ans:- Centre for Glass and Ceramic Research Institute

How many Boxes in one pallet and number of pallets in Container?Ans :-40 Boxes/ Pallet (605 X 605)

21 Pallets / Container (605 X 605)

In which transaction is the Highest & Lowest risk of buyer in international market?Ans :-Highest = FOB (Free on Board) – Which does not include the Insurance and Freight

Lowest = CIF (Cost, Insurance & Freight) – Which include all the transaction fess oher than the clearing on the destination port.Moderate = CNF (Cost And Freight) – Which include all the transaction cost and Freight till the destination port. But insurance is not included.

Who are the Top Container shipping services?Ans :- Mersks, MSC, APC, etc

What are the Payments mode?Ans :- Advance payments, L/C @ sight, L/C @ 30 days, L/C @ 45 days, CAD (Cash Against Order),

DA (Document Against Acceptance)

What is Double Charge?

Ans :- Effect on time of stamping (Biscuit press) and more than 1 colour effects, more shine than normal vitrified.

What are the other names of the vitrified tiles and their properties?Ans:- vitrified Tile, Full body tiles, Homogeneous tile, Grana mite tile.

Properties: - Stain Free, Water absorption 0.05%, Full body, Scratch Resistance, Fire Resistance, Moisture Resistance,

Which are the various finishes in floor tiles?Ans: - Matt Finish Uneven surface but synchronise- Touch and feel property.

Glossy Finish ShiningRustic Finish Uneven rough surface but that is random.Satin Smooth finish but the surface is not shining.Lapato Rustic property but roughness is less but shiny look.Nano tech Polish Glossy is 30 % more than the normal vitrified tile.

What are the advantages of artificial marble, other names, sizes, thickness?Ans :- Colour Selection, Lucrative Designs, Customised Sizes, Re-polish able, Repetition can be made,

moulding possible, bothside polisable, rotoprint.Engineered, man made, composite, artificial, agromated, synthetic, homogeneous.Thickness – 12, 16, 18, 20, 30 mmSlab size – 3025 X 1225 mmType :- Chips, Powder, double charge

What is the thickness of the various tiles?Ans :- Thichness of the Vitrified tiles = 9.8 mm

Grestesk = 10 mmCeramic Tiles = 2 mm top layer

What is the rectified tiles?Ans :-Jointless, Gapless, Sizing finish, 4 side edge finished.

What are the raw material for the vitrified tiles?Ans :- Ukrainian Clay – Raw material,

Zirconium – StrengthFeldspar – WhitenessAluminium oxide – to Smooth flow on rollerFrit – Glassy Look

What is used to give colour to ceramic tile?Ans :- Engob (green) initial then desired pigments. Darker the shade costlier the cost. And the embose

effect is to be given thru 3rd firing that means When the first biscuit is made that is 1st fire, then the glazing is coated it is 2nd fire then the emboss effect or the various glass effect that is called 3rd firing.

What is the summary of Asian granite limited?Ans :-Asian Granito Limited is established in 1994 with a 1st plant of ceramic in IDAR, then in 2003

established another new plant in himmatnagar of Vitrified tiles. As the company’s current

production capacity is 68000 sqr/mtr (apprx 230000 sqr/ft). In the directorship of 24 directors among which Mr

Kamlesh Patel (Chairman), Mr Bhavesh Patel (Exports), Ashok Garg (V.P).