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About Terrazzo
Terrazzo
is a highly durable and versatile floor finish made by setting marble
chippings or other natural stone aggregates in a Portland cement matrix
that can be pigmented to provide an almost infinite range of designs.
Terrazzo can be mixed and laid on site (in-situ) or manufactured as tiles or precast units, namely, planters, steps, sills or coping units. 
The diversity of Terrazzo
Terrazzo Tile Manufacture
The
manufacture of tiles involves the use of a press providing up to 150
atmospheres of pressure. A measured quantity of terrazzo is distributed
into a grid of steel moulds on a large rotating table. As the mould
rotates to the next stage the table vibrates levelling the mix to the
extremities of the form. A calibrated dry mix of cement, sand and other
aggregate (depending on the manufacturer) is mechanically applied onto
the terrazzo mix and ruled off. The tiles are then pressed forcing the
moisture from the topping mix into the dry backing material creating a
slump free tile.
Once the tile is pressed it can be immediately manoeuvred by mechanical take-off equipment into racks ready for curing. Terrazzo tiles can be cured naturally in the atmosphere or where timescales are limited by autoclave. An autoclave is an oven that cures the material with steam under pressure. Following the curing period tiles are passed through a linear grinder deploying up to 16 grinding heads fitted with progressive grades of abrasive that expose the natural stone aggregate and provide a polished surface. To provide higher anti-slip properties tiles can be sandblasted or chemically etched in a controlled manner.
Uses
Terrazzo
can be used internally or externally in shopping malls, supermarkets,
office environments, airports, train stations and in residential
buildings.
Terrazzo flooring in a supermarket.
Availability
Terrazzo
is available in tile or pre-cast units in a range of colours shapes and
sizes or can be laid in-situ, in panels, bordered with PVC or brass
division strips. |
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