SHINTO Tile Manufacturing Process

Tile Manufacturing Process
We currently manufacture our tiles using a tunnel kiln, the standard practice for ceramic tile manufacturing.
Each session is controlled using the latest technologies.

Blended clay

Main supply unit

・Supplies and stores clay
Temporarily holds clay as it supplies clay for the next process.

Sub supply unit

Kneading machine

・Kneading
This is where clay is kneaded to make it uniform.
We inject steam to improve molding performance.

Extruder

・Soil kneading
By turning the air inside the clay into a vacuum, we remove it and create a form close to the product itself (called araji).

Cutting Machine

・Cutting
The continuously fed araji are cut into individual pieces.

Press

・Forming
The clay is formed into the product shape.

Drying furnace

・Drying
Clay contains roughly 20% water, so this process removes that water.
The dried tile is called shiraji.
We use excess heat from the tunnel kiln as the heat source for this process to save energy.

Glaze

Glazing

Glaze (known as yuyaku or uwagusuri) is applied.

Firing machine (tunnel kiln)

・Firing
The tiles are fired at temperatures of up to 1120°C.
The glaze is also colored during firing.

Screening inspection of all tiles

・Screening
All tiles undergo a visual inspection.
Defective tiles are removed and sent to be recycled into blended clay.

Palletizer

Stretch packing

・Binding and packing
Tiles are bound in packs of four using PP bands, and loaded onto pallets in predetermined lots.
They are wrapped in film for storage.

Finished products

The tiles are prepared for shipment in the yard.

About Handling of Personal Information

Regarding the addresses and other key data entered by customers in inquiries, we pledge not to allow this data to leak or to distribute unwanted direct mail or other correspondence.
In principle we will not disclose customers’ personal information outside of our company without the individual’s consent. However, in the event that we receive a request for appropriate procedures as determined by law, or the need arises to protect our rights or property, we may use the minimum amount of information required for such purposes.