The SME is characterised by 4 technological solutions which make it extraordinarily versatile.

First is the EXTRACTOR. This is an expeller integrated into the mould which expels the pressed material from inside the mould. It is composed of a classic table-protector plate and an extraction plate actuated by electronically-controlled expellers and double-action cylinders, whose action is automatically regulated and synchronised with the press, and which is powered by an independent hydraulic circuit. Naturally, the synchronisation of the press and mould is PLC-controlled, and the PLC can be programmed for any number and type of drops, so as to meet the most recent production requirements.

The second important characteristic of the SME is DIATHERMAL HEATING. This system has been designed to eliminate the problem of uneven distribution of heat over the mould, and makes use of a novel HEAT RECOVERY system. The system effectively recovers the thermal energy produced by the dryer when drying the tile. The dryer is equipped with a system based on the principle of the heat exchanger; the heat is then delivered to a liquid which is conveyed to the affected areas of the mould via a PUMP circulator. A complex hydraulic circuit is machined into the part of the mould used for forming the tile, and this system can be applied to all mould types. The heat is distributed under the control of the SME’s PLC to the various components (magnetic blocks, mould die-box, upper diebox and blocks, etc.). This system results in considerable energy savings as well as maintaining constant temperature in the process.

Another feature of this type of mould is its cleaning; in order to keep the area between bellows, expeller and hydraulic columns the SME is equipped with a pneumatic system which pressurises the interior and an external blower, which operates by means of accumulators actuated by solenoid valves, timed by the same PLC. SME has been integrated with the already well-known SCF format changeover system, machined to fit in the electronic lift. This system increases the versatility of the mould with the objective of optimising productivity. It is composed of a die-box changeover system which allows the die-box to be moved aside on rails at the edges of the mould, which enable it to be correctly positioned and oriented by means of locator pins.

The blocks can also be changed in the same way, as they are located on a plate which runs on tracks at the end of the expeller. Once the changeover has been run, it is sufficient to call up the pre-setting for the new format on the PLC. This format changeover system will handle formats from 10x10 to 60x60 without the need to remove the SME from the press, and hence results in drastic downtime reductions.