RAK Ceramics, which introduced its high-definition Nanopix technology in 2008, says the nano digital printing technique has been instrumental in generating a surge in the demand for its ceramic tile products in the local as well as the international markets.

“RAK Ceramics is currently running its digital printing facility at full capacity in light of the strong global demand for these products,” Abdallah Massaad, deputy CEO of RAK Ceramics.

RAK Ceramics has been renowned for its premium range of ceramic tiles and bathware, which have been distinguished for their exquisite design and world-class craftsmanship. “Digital printing technology has really been a key tool that has enabled RAK Ceramics to assert its leadership in design and quality and provided it with a unique ability to cater to the distinct aesthetic demands of our customers worldwide as it makes it a lot easier to conceptualise, develop and implement a variety of creative ideas, designs and schemes,” Massaad said.

Digital printing technology has helped create a surge in demand for designs and effects that are closer to natural elements such as marbles and stones. “This new technology is perfect in creating such designs and effects because of its ability to deliver high-definition print quality, maintain print consistency by avoiding shade variations, and it can also print on any surface.

“Moreover, tile manufacturers also benefit from enhanced productivity and operational efficiency by using digital printing technology,” he pointed out.

With the support of technical partners, RAK Ceramics introduced its high-definition Nanopix digital print technology, which is totally distinctive compared to other prevalent printing techniques in the market, he said.

This technology, according to him, can present high-definition and multi-layer decorative effect on ceramic surfaces through tri-dimensional printing of nanometer material with a unique combination of glazes. The three-dimensional design technology makes the pictorial surface as fine as nanometer-grade, the gradation is more abundant and printing quality is extremely clear, he added.

“This technology gives fresh colour, vivid effect, and achieves a breakthrough while drawing inspiration from high-end stone materials and top-class aesthetic buildings,” Massaad said.

The introduction of digital printing technology has enabled RAK Ceramics to develop a wide tile series selection, available in wood, natural stone, marble, metal, among other effects, which provide suitable alternatives to natural resources thus conserving the environment. “These tiles have various advantages such as durability, low water absorption, frost and fire resistance, ease of maintenance and cost-effectiveness, which make them a superior alternative to natural resources,” he said.

Some of RAK Ceramics’ tile offerings that have been produced using digital printing technology include the stone effect series such as the Stone Art collection, marble finish series such as the Orion collection, and wood finish series such as the Wood Art collection.

RAK Ceramics’ focus on adopting advanced technologies has enabled it to accelerate its global growth plans and firmly establish the company as the world’s largest manufacturer of ceramic tiles and bathware. “Nanopix digital printing has been particularly crucial in strengthening RAK Ceramics’ competitive edge and market dominance in high-growth and emerging markets. We are certainly fully committed to continue to strongly invest in modern printing technologies to help us unlock more exciting growth opportunities and reaffirm our reputation as a world-class technology innovator in the tile industry,” Massaad concluded.