Grupo STN chooses ANCORA technology by Gruppo B&T for three new complete finishing plants
A line for large slabs in the VENUX plant and two new complete lines in another plant of the group
The finishing department of Grupo STN Cerámica has been enhanced by the inclusion of three plants by Ancora, the company of Gruppo B&T that specialises in the design and construction of complete finishing lines for ceramic products.
Second largest ceramics manufacturer in Europe and seventh worldwide, the Spanish company chooses Ancora for the new production line dedicated to large slabs, to be installed in the VENUX plant. After starting a collaboration for traditional sizes, Grupo STN and Ancora are now working on a new project for the production of a range of products measuring up to 3200 x 1600 mm.
“Ancora represents for us the historical supplier of all our finishing lines. – says Juan Carlos Barberà, general manager of Grupo STN – Our new project for ceramic slabs is a significant investment and an important opportunity to strengthen our position on the market with new products. Therefore, we have chosen the partner we know to be the best for reliability and results.”
Among the technologies chosen, the TORNADO dry squaring machine, the MATRIX lapping technology for large slabs, and the POWERLUX super gloss treatment with GENIUS management software stand out in particular.
The new fully automatic dry-squaring machine TORNADO, built with the highest quality materials, is unique in terms of both reliability and ease of use, and can even be managed by less experienced technicians.
The squaring machine can reach very high daily productivity levels and cuts down operating costs and energy consumption, making it a sustainable technological solution.
MATRIX, meanwhile, is Ancora’s lapping and polishing technology, designed specifically for large slabs. Powerful and reliable, it is the ultimate solution to problems linked to large glossy surfaces, offering flawless surface finish, perfect shine, and unrivalled productivity.
The MATRIX electronics are based on the new dedicated MATRIX Smart Solution software for managing and overseeing production and correcting faults. The machine also features smart diagnostic technology for the automatic management of all alarms, which makes it user-friendly while also enhancing performance quality and quantity.
Finally, POWERLUX is the solution for treatments that offers dual operation: super gloss – which allows users to create an aesthetically super gloss product – and matt polished – for an on-trend natural finish, while maintaining maximum productivity and eliminating any defects.
Besides this plant, Grupo STN implements two other complete lines for more traditional sizes in another plant of the group, with IMPERIAL lapping machines, POWERLUX treatment and GENIUS management software. These lines allow for very high productivity at the kiln exit and are added to two other existing complete plants, reaching the highest performance in the world in terms of quality and efficiency.
Over recent years, Ancora has undergone a real revolution, from in-house production to service, completely revamping its product range. This ambitious development project has enabled the company to strengthen its partnerships with major international names, like Grupo STN Cerámica.
