Estima porcelain stoneware: material features

The production association Estima was formed as a result of the merger of the Noginsk Combine of Building Materials and the Samara Ceramic Factory, and is the largest Russian manufacturer of ceramic granite. The share of the company's products is more than 30% of the total amount of material produced in Russia, and reaches 14 million square meters. m per year. The plates are made on the high-tech modern Italian equipment, distinguished by high quality and good competitiveness in the European market of building and finishing materials.

Porcelain tile was invented at the end of the 20th century and created a real sensation. Before its appearance, ceramic tiles were used for interior decoration, which has a large number of defects and has limitations for use in some aggressive environments.With the advent of porcelain, the problem of finishing the rooms with high humidity and high temperature amplitude was solved. This was achieved thanks to the composition of the material, which includes quartz sand, clay, kaolin and various technological additives. The production technology of porcelain stoneware consists in pressing and subsequent firing of raw materials, as a result of which the finished products contain almost no pores.

Porcelain tile possesses high frost resistance properties and minimal water absorptionIt is resistant to chemicals and abrasive loads. The matte surface has a high hardness index (7 on the Mohs scale) and has a high bending strength. Thanks to the use of special dyes, porcelain stoneware perfectly imitates the texture and pattern of natural granite, but it does not emit cold and can be used in residential areas.

Porcelain tile is a popular finishing material and is in high demand.

Its demand is due to the following advantages:

• high wear resistance, hardness, mechanical strength and long life of porcelain stoneware due to the peculiarities of the structure and manufacturing technology. The plates are impact resistant and can be used in industrial premises and workshops;
• the ability to withstand extreme temperatures, as well as resistance to sudden thermal fluctuations, allows the material to be used in saunas and unheated rooms. Cracking and deformation of the plates is excluded;

• resistance to chemicals makes it possible to use the material for finishing residential and industrial premises without restriction;
• high moisture resistance of the material due to the lack of a porous structure and inability to absorb and retain moisture. This allows the use of porcelain tiles in baths, pools and bathrooms;

• attractive appearance is achieved due to the complete visual similarity with natural granite, which makes its scope of application very wide. Products do not fade and do not lose their original shape throughout the entire life cycle.The wear resistance of the drawings is due to the fact that the formation of texture and color occurs completely across the entire thickness of the plate, and not only on the front surface. The material perfectly imitates natural stone and wood, which allows its use in any interiors;

• Proper pricing allows you to purchase material at a comfortable cost, which makes stoneware slabs even more popular and purchased. The cost of a square meter of slab measuring 30x30 cm starts from 300 rubles. The most expensive models cost about 2 thousand per square;
• A wide range with a wide variety of shades and textures makes it possible to purchase material in a room of any color, style and purpose.

Porcelain tiles are widely used and are used for exterior and interior works in all types of buildings and structures. As a floor covering material is used in shopping centers with a large pedestrian load, in medical institutions, industrial enterprises and public buildings. Due to the strength and durability of porcelain used for finishing metro stations, large offices and train stations.

A large variety of colors and textures allow you to use the material for finishing the facades of buildings and walls inside rooms. Porcelain tiles can be seen in kitchens, living rooms, halls, dining rooms, balconies and verandas. Stylish design and wide range of colors contribute to the implementation of the most daring design solutions. The material is environmentally safe and can be used in children's institutions and public places. Porcelain tile is often used as a decorative flooring system "warm floor".

Porcelain tiles are available in sizes 300x300, 400x400, 600x600, 300x600 and 1200x600 mm. When choosing plates, it should be borne in mind that during the firing of raw materials in the manufacturing process, a slight deformation of the workpiece occurs, which leads to a decrease in the finished product. On average, the claimed size may differ from the actual by 5 mm. For example, a standard 600x600 mm plate actually has a side length of 592 to 606 mm.

This point must be considered when calculating the required amount of material.To facilitate the calculations and installation of the coating, products that are as close as possible to each other in size are packed in one package and calibrated. This is done in order to exclude the presence in one pack of very different in size plates. The caliber is indicated on the package and varies from 0 to 7. The zero caliber is placed on packs with plates ranging in size from 592.5 to 594.1 mm, and the seventh caliber is on products with sides from 604.4 to 606 mm The thickness of the plates is 12 mm. This allows them to withstand a load of 400 kg.

Estima porcelain stoneware is available in two versions, which are represented by a large number of collections.

The first type - matte unpolished material, uniform throughout the thickness and produced in a huge variety of textures. The rough non-slip surface ensures safe operation and eliminates injuries when using plates as a floor covering and finishing steps.

A prominent representative of this type is the popular collection. "Estima Standard". The slabs have an unpolished and semi-polished surface and are used to finish floors with a high pedestrian load and facades.Products are decorated with drawings, patterns and ornaments with multi-color and one-color execution. Plates are used for finishing stations, airports and shopping centers. The material has a low cost and is in great demand.

Very unusual models are presented in the collection. "Estima Antika". The tile successfully imitates a natural stone. The surface is artificially aged and shabby. The material is produced in matte and glossy design and is used for interior decoration. The color scheme is represented by yellow, peach and sand shades, as well as white.

The Rainbow collection is represented by polished models that go through diamond grinding and have a glossy shiny surface. The tile imitates mosaic, marble, onyx and parquet, it is excellent as a floor covering in public spaces.

Thanks to a wide model range, there is a possibility to choose a ceramic granite tile of any style. In the traditional interiors fit Hard Rock Scuroin country style - "Bugnot" and "Padova", models will fit well into retro "Monterrey Arancio" and "Montalcino Cotto"and for hi-tech stylish "Tiburtone" and "Giaietto". For minimalism created a line of models "Newport", and in the rustic and Scandinavian interiors tile with imitation of wood fibers will successfully flow "Natural".

Estima porcelain tile has many positive reviews. Especially valuable is the opinion of professional master tilers who appreciate the quality of the material. The advantages include high strength and wear resistance of products, as well as a long service life and resistance to aggressive environmental influences. There is a variety of textures and a wide color range of models. Attention is drawn to the low cost and availability of material.

Among the minuses is called the discrepancy in size, as well as the resulting difficulties during installation. But this moment probably arises among consumers who have not taken into account the calibration of the plates and bought products of different sizes.

See the following video for the advantages of Estima porcelain stoneware.