UNDERSKIN
Technology for three-dimensional ceramic surfaces
The strategic combination of digital glue and technical grit “at the beginning of the line”
UNDERSKIN is Sicer‘s application technology for creating three-dimensional ceramic surfaces characterised by precise, deep and extremely natural structures.
Its distinctive feature is the creation of the structure before the application of the decorative layers. The relief therefore becomes the foundation of the surface, integrating seamlessly with graphics, decorations and finishes.
How UNDERSKIN technology works
The distinguishing feature of UNDERSKIN lies in its position within the production process.
Transparent digital glue and technical grit are applied directly onto the dried raw substrate at the beginning of the line, as the very first step of the process. Engobe, digital printing, additional decorations and finishes are subsequently applied.
This application sequence integrates the structure, graphics and final surface effect into a single decorative project while maintaining precise control over edge definition, grit fusibility and final colour development.
UNDERSKIN process flow
1.
SUPPORT
2.
TRANSPARENT DIGITAL GLUE MATT/UNIVERSAL
3.
TRANSPARENT DIGITAL GLUE MATT/UNIVERSAL
4.
ENGOBE
5.
LOW EMISSION INKS
6.
NEXT FINISHING
The configuration of materials and application parameters is defined by the Sicer Technology Lab according to the characteristics of the production process and the required final result.
What types of surfaces can be achieved with UNDERSKIN?
UNDERSKIN enables the development of a wide variety of three-dimensional structures, ranging from subtle textures to more pronounced reliefs. The technology is particularly suited to creating:
- textured ceramic surfaces;
- natural stone-effect structures;
- high-definition reliefs;
- realistic textures;
- surfaces with coordinated graphics and structure;
- an infinite range of structural effects.
Applying technical grit at the beginning of the line allows the structure to be subsequently integrated with engobe, digital inks and finishes, enhancing the visual and tactile depth of the surface.
The advantages of beginning-of-the-line application
The specific application sequence of UNDERSKIN makes it possible to:
- preserve the appearance of edges without grit;
- maintain the fusibility characteristics of the grit;
- maintain edge thickness while creating a marked and perceptible structure;
- eliminate the dulling effect caused by deposited grit;
- achieve greater fidelity in final colour development;
- create interlocking graphics through new line centering systems;
- expand the range of structural customisation possibilities.
UNDERSKIN and NEXT: structure and finishing
The two technologies perform different yet complementary roles:
- UNDERSKIN creates the structure and relief.
- NEXT completes and enhances the surface finishing.
Bring your projects to life with our materials.
Frequently asked questions
What is UNDERSKIN?
UNDERSKIN is an application technology developed by Sicer to create three-dimensional ceramic surfaces. It combines digital glue and technical grit applied directly onto the dried raw substrate before engobe, digital printing and finishing.
At which stage of the production line is UNDERSKIN applied?
The combination of digital glue and technical grit is applied at the beginning of the line, directly onto the dried raw substrate, as the first step of the decorative process.
How does it differ from a traditional glue and grit application?
With UNDERSKIN, the structure is created before the application of engobe and digital printing. The relief is therefore formed beneath the subsequent decorative layers and becomes fully integrated with the graphics and finishing during the following production stages.
What effects can be achieved?
UNDERSKIN enables the creation of extremely natural three-dimensional structures, natural stone-effect textures, marked reliefs, textured ceramic surfaces and different levels of depth and definition.
Are the application parameters the same for every production line?
No. Raw substrate temperature, digital glue type, grit particle size, application quantities, engobe formulation and firing conditions must all be calibrated according to the production line, the substrate and the desired final effect.
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