The rising popularity of porcelain in the Australian market, favoured by architects, designers, and consumers alike, is largely due to its safety and sustainability benefits. As interest continues to grow, it has become increasingly important for stonemasons, fabricators and installers to find safe and efficient ways to install porcelain. These slabs are not only heavy and highly tensioned, they can also break if not handled correctly and can be difficult to manage safely without proper support. Traditional methods often fall short, increasing the risk of breakage and injury. As a result, specialised handling equipment has become essential to ensure safe, efficient installations while reducing strain on workers and minimising the risk of damage.
Q: What’s the best way to transport large-format porcelain from the factory to the jobsite?
A: Safely transporting large-format porcelain slabs requires the right equipment to ensure the material remains secure and undamaged. Using transport frames like the Diarex TF2000, which is designed with forklift compatibility, and manual manoeuvrability options, such as a dolly with wheels, can help move slabs efficiently both in the workshop and during transportation.
Once on-site, handling equipment like Omni Cubed’s Pro-Cart AT1 and Pro-Cart 2 can make moving and positioning heavy slabs much easier. These carts offer stability, smooth manoeuvrability, and secure clamping to keep slabs safe during transport across rough terrain. For more delicate areas, such as cut-outs for sinks and faucets, the Omni Cubed Sink Hole Saver provides essential reinforcement, protecting these fragile sections from breakage during handling and installation.
When it’s time to position the slab for installation, tools like the Nemo Grabo vacuum lifter come in handy. The Grabo’s powerful suction technology allows for secure lifting and precise placement, ensuring that even the largest slabs can be installed with ease and accuracy. By using the right equipment throughout the process, you can safely transport and install large-format porcelain slabs without damage or hassle.
Q: What benefits does using professional handling equipment offer installers?
A: Professional handling equipment offers key benefits like improved safety by reducing manual lifting and the risk of injury. Ergonomically designed tools distribute weight evenly, making it easier to manage heavy slabs. They also increase efficiency, allowing a smaller team to move slabs quickly and precisely, saving time and reducing delays. Lastly, proper equipment protects the material from damage, ensuring slabs reach their final position in perfect condition, which enhances the quality of the installation and reduces the chance of costly reworks, boosting client satisfaction.
Q: What adhesive should you use for a porcelain installation?
A: Porcelain can be tricky to bond due to its minimal porosity, which offers limited surface area for adhesives to grip. When choosing an adhesive for porcelain, it’s important to select one specifically formulated for ceramics or porcelain. These adhesives typically contain special additives to enhance adhesion and prevent discoloration over time. While there are several reliable options, such as Integra Rapid, Integra Zero, Superior Gold and Diarex EVOPLUS, Integra’s Surface Bonder Ultra stands out.
It provides excellent versatility, bonding securely to porcelain, ceramics, and sintered stone. With its high UV resistance, it prevents yellowing, and its slight flexibility ensures a strong bond even when the material expands or contracts due to temperature changes. This makes it an ideal choice for porcelain installations.
Q: Where can installers learn more about using this equipment?
A: Installers looking to learn more about handling porcelain slabs and using tools like Omni Cubed’s products can attend CDK Stone’s upcoming Installer Master Classes. These sessions offer hands-on demonstrations of the latest equipment, allowing participants to see how it can enhance their workflow. Our team of experts will be on hand to answer questions and provide tips for optimal results. Alternatively, you can reach out to CDK Stone directly to schedule a demo or consultation.
