In the tile and ceramic industries, precision in laboratory testing is essential for ensuring product quality and process efficiency. Devices such as gloss meters—available in single, double, and triple angle configurations—are used to quantify surface reflectivity, a key parameter in aesthetic and functional evaluation. Spectrophotometers measure color shade and calculate the color difference (ΔE*) across various scales, enabling mathematical modeling of color consistency. BYK-Gardner’s advanced instruments, including multi-angle spectrophotometers and light booths with illuminants like D65 and TL84, support rigorous colorimetric analysis under controlled lighting conditions, enhancing reproducibility and standardization in quality control.
Thermal and rheological properties are equally critical. Thermographs are employed to monitor oven temperature stability, allowing for optimization of firing curves and energy consumption. Wet glaze film thickness gauges—both comb and rotary types—enable accurate measurement of coating layers, which can be modeled to predict drying behavior and adhesion. Viscosity, a key variable in glaze formulation, is assessed using spindle viscometers with variable speeds, providing data for flow modeling and process simulation. BYK-Gardner’s portfolio includes rotational viscometers and flow cups, which are essential for characterizing fluid dynamics in ceramic coatings. These instruments not only support empirical testing but also feed into mathematical frameworks for predictive control and process optimization.