Final week I had the pleasure to go to Italy, and staff up once more with Catalano. I beforehand wrote an article about their Tonalità assortment and participation in ‘Architect at Work’ (see right here) Along with a small group of associates I typically journey with, we had been invited to go to their manufacturing unit, positioned at Fabrica di Roma close to Viterbo. An enormous advanced the place they create useful and sustainable design merchandise combining craftsmanship and excessive expertise
Catalano is the primary firm in a position to supply the very best productive high quality in Made in Italy sanitary-ware sector. No marvel I used to be actually impressed by the numerous robots in operation we noticed. The corporate seamlessly combines superior automation with age outdated craftsmanship distinctive to their area. all of which is mirrored in an enormous assortment of unique designs of high quality.
After a brief introduction we had the chance to get a peek behind the manufacturing of the varied merchandise. Consider wash basins, bathe trays, tub tubs, sanitary ware and extra. I’ve visited totally different factories over time, however as mentioned earlier than, I used to be deeply impressed by the robots that every carried out their very own activity in succession. Every little thing is actually constituted of earth, water and fireplace!
Catalano manufacturing unit tour
Raffaele Ceccarelli, chief manufacturing engineer at Catalano, guided us by the totally different levels with nice enthusiasm. From the warehouse the place actually mountains of clay imported from everywhere in the world had been saved. To the lab the place analysis is finished, and the complete manufacturing course of by robots, craftsman and engineers. It actually was a brilliant attention-grabbing expertise to see such a big firm in operation.
With the manufacturing of bogs and bidets, of which the robotic produces 1200 per day, we began our tour, it’s inconceivable to indicate you all of the small clips I made of the totally different levels on this blogpost, you’ll nonetheless discover extra of the method captured by me throughout the tour on my Instagram, see right here: vosgesparis Instagram To indicate you the whole course of from soil to design product, additionally, you will discover a video on the finish of this publish.
A totally computerized course of
Beside the prime quality merchandise made at Catalano, the absolutely computerized course of is simply wonderful to observe. From excessive stress casting, to how merchandise are positioned on giant carts by the robots, and being routinely picked up by a transport automotive when full, to be moved to the dry room. A big house the place by temperatures of 32-38 levels the dry course of takes place for about 24-36 hours. You may clearly see the totally different levels of drying and the sluggish change of color from the moist darkish clay color to a lighter when nearly dry.
Industrial Evolution – Linea 7
Final 12 months Catalano launched a brand new glass robotic: the Linea 7. A collection of robots that work in a manufacturing line and carry out all glazing and ending operations. This enables merchandise to go from the drying room by way of 7 manufacturing levels on to the kiln.
Every robotic has its personal activity, from including glaze on totally different sides to eradicating mud. An X-ray scanner fastidiously seems to be for cracks or defects earlier than the piece is shipped to the subsequent stage of coating and on the finish the anti-lime scale and antibacterial glaze is sprayed. After which the glazed merchandise are despatched to the kiln the place they’re baked at 1250 levels for twenty-four hours.
The very fact all operations that the robots carry out befell in absolutely enclosed cubicles, not solely gave us the likelihood to have a look at the method actual shut up, however this strategy additionally ensures no mud disperses into the working surroundings, making a secure surroundings for his or her staff.
Sustainability
Raffaele additionally took us to the warehouse the place the uncooked supplies are saved and right here it turned clear once more how sustainable the corporate is. No waste: every thing is reused from clay to waste water. The continual accumulating and analysing of knowledge throughout each stage of the manufacturing course of reduces waste.
For Catalano, Sustainability additionally means respect for the surroundings, and the well-being of the group during which the corporate operates. Social Accountability is expressed within the many collaborations with universities and secondary colleges of their ceramic area, to make sure the skilled coaching of younger folks is in keeping with the present state of Catalano’s expertise. By means of workshops and coaching programmes curiosity within the ceramic business is generated.
Analysis & Applied sciences
We completed our tour at The Lab, the place Catalano has been investing for years in technological innovation and experimentation in supplies science, aiming to acquire merchandise which assure the very best ranges of hygiene. Chemical evaluation is carried out on uncooked supplies, chosen by the lab’s supervisor Giulia Simonetti herself from the quarries. The fixed drive to innovation of Catalano laboratories and the distinctive abilities of the technicians resulted in several superior options and the very best quality ceramic sanitary.
Many new improvements within the manufacturing of toilet & sanitary ware had been designed by the Catalano staff, such because the totally different glazings that guarantee the very best hygienic and simple to wash surfaces, reminiscent of Cataglaze+® and Twinglaze+®. And the Silentech® with its silent, rimless flushing expertise
Cataglaze+®
Cataglaze+® affords complete antibacterial safety by a novel, impermeable glazing remedy designed to final a lifetime. This superior floor end makes use of the pure antibacterial properties of silver and titanium particles, making a high-performance glaze that actively prevents micro organism progress. The result’s a hygienic, sturdy, and easy-to-clean floor—excellent for contemporary lavatory environments
Twinglaze+®
On the manufacturing unit these black bogs caught my eye, they’ve a novel end! The WCs are handled with Cataglaze+® shiny inside and satin exterior. This provides the WC a refined, trendy contact. Twinglaze+® is accessible on all Catalano’s colored WCs.
Silentech®
Silentech® is probably the most superior flushing system available on the market, combining cutting-edge design with superior efficiency. Its silent, rimless flushing expertise ensures most hygiene and simple cleansing, whereas the revolutionary vortex water circulate supplies highly effective floor motion for impeccable cleanliness. This superior system not solely reduces the necessity for chemical detergents but in addition minimizes noise and water consumption, making it a sustainable and modern alternative for contemporary bogs. Accessible on 99% of Catalano bogs.
Curious to see the entire course of as we acquired to expertise throughout our Catalano manufacturing unit tour, watch the video !
Photos and video by catalano and vosgesparis
Written in collaboration with Catalano
– vosgesparis associate –
