Manufacturing Process
Manufacturing Process
At Chettinad Tiles, the creation of Athangudi Tiles is more than just a manufacturing process, it is a labour of love, steeped in tradition and craftsmanship.
Every step in the making of these tiles is a testament to the skill and dedication of our artisans, who meticulously follow age-old techniques handed down through generations. From blending pigments to achieving the perfect hues, to the delicate moulding of intricate designs, each tile embodies the spirit of craftsmanship that is unique to Chettinad.
In the following section, we take you on a journey through the process of creating these beautiful tiles, showcasing the care, precision, and artistry that define the essence of Athangudi Tiles.
1. BLENDING
The pigment composition is a mixture of high-quality Bayer oxides, locally available sand, and quality cement. The ingredients are blended together carefully over a period of 3-4 hours to produce the final colours.
2. MIXING
The blended colours are mixed with accurate proportions of water and thoroughly mixed to ensure better quality to avoid cracks on the tile.
3. MOULDING
The colours are filled with hand into a metal mould with a brass stencil on glass. The brass stencil, containing the desired pattern, is handmade from specific design drawings.
4. COMPRESSING
A layer of finely sieved dry cement and sand mix is spread over the colours to keep the colours in place, and a thick layer of mortar is used to fill the mould and hand-pressed to form a compact tile.
5. HARDENING
After pressing, the tiles are removed from the mould and placed on a rack until they harden enough to be moved into a tank of water to start the curing process.
6. HYDROLYSIS
The tiles are cured in water for 3 days, during which they undergo a hydrolysis process and harden into strong concrete.
7. DRYING
The tiles are then removed from the tank and allowed to further cure in the air for 15-20 days.
8. FINISHED PRODUCT
After the drying process, every tile is separated from the glass, the sides are scraped for even edges, packaged, and are ready to be shipped to the customer.
